Koovagam festival celebrates transgender identity and the legend of aravan
Mahabharata
, when the five Pandavas decided to sacrifice Aravan to ensure victory over the Kauravas in battle, Aravan expressed his wish to marry. No one stepped forward, knowing Aravan would be sacrificed the next day.
According to legend, Lord Krishna transformed into a woman and married him.Every year, Koovagam village in Kallakurichi district comes alive with the
Koothandavar temple festival
, which, over 18 days, commemorates the epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Thousands of transgender people come together at the temple dedicated to Koothandavar (Aravan), the son of Arjuna.On Tuesday, the penultimate day, devotees donned elaborate costumes, wore their favourite jewellery, and queued up at the temple to have their thalis tied, marking their symbolic marriage.
On Wednesday, the final day of the festival, devotees broke their thalis and bangles, wiped off their sindoor, and mourned the sacrifice of their husband, Koothandavar, before taking a holy dip in the lake.A beauty contest was also held as part of the festival.
"I'm fortunate to have been accepted by my parents, and it's something I hope for others as well," says S Renuga, crowned Miss Koovagam 2025. The 24-year-old model from Chennai, originally from Tirunelveli, says though she missed out on the title the previous year, she was determined to win this time.Email your feedback with name and address to southpole.toi@timesofindia.com
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