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Every spring, thousands of transgenders, eunuchs and cross-dressers from all over India and neighbouring countries flock to the southern Indian village of Koovagam, for Hindu celebration of transgender people. The ‘Koovagam’ is a two-day festival held at Koothandavar Temple in the honour of the Hindu god Aravan (also known as Iravan), who is believed to be the patron god of transgender communities. According to a Hindu legend, Aravan, the son of the Pandava Arjuna, sacrificed himself to ensure the victory of the Pandava brothers against the Kauravas during Mahabharata. Before he sacrificed himself, Aravan wished to marry a woman and spend the night with her. In order to fulfil Aravan’s request, Lord Krishna transformed himself into an attractive woman, Mohini. She grieved like a widow, bre
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