Koovagam Festival: India’s Grand Celebration Of Transgender Identity Attended By Vikas Khanna, Actor Vishal— PICS

The Koovagam Koothandavar Festival, held each year in the village of Koovagam in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district, has once again lit up with vibrant celebrations, rituals, and emotional moments.

Considered one of the largest gatherings of transgender individuals in the world, this 18-day festival is a deeply spiritual and cultural event that honours the story of Aravan, a lesser-known but revered character from the Mahabharata.

According to the legend, Aravan offered himself in sacrifice to ensure the Pandavas' victory in the war. Before his death, he wished to be married. To fulfill this, Lord Krishna assumed the female form of Mohini and became his bride and Aravan was then sacrificed the next day. This poignant tale of love, identity, and sacrifice forms the heart of the Koovagam celebrations. (Credit: Special arrangement/ABP Nadu)

During the festival, thousands of transgender women arrive in Koovagam to symbolically marry Aravan at the Koothandavar Temple. The rituals are rich with symbolism—bright sarees, turmeric, flowers, and sacred chants fill the air as the community takes part in the marriage ceremonies. The following day, the newlyweds mourn Aravan’s death by breaking their bangles and wiping off their sindoor. (Credit: Special arrangement/ABP Nadu)