IN PICS: Transwomen Celebrate Koovagam Koothandavar Temple Festival In Tamil Nadu

The Koovagam Festival, also known as the Koothandavar Temple Festival, is an annual transgender celebration held in the village of Koovagam, Tamil Nadu.

The Koovagam Festival carries significant cultural and religious importance for transgender communities in India.

This festival coincides with the Chitra Pournami full moon day and took place on Wednesday. (Credit: Special Arrangement)

During the festival, over 5,000 trans women participate in various rituals, including tying mangalsutra at the temple to mark their symbolic wedding with Lord Aravan. (Credit: Special Arrangement)

According to folklore, Lord Koothandavar of the temple expressed a desire to marry a trans woman before sacrificing himself in the Mahabharata war. (Credit: Special Arrangement)

Prior the festival, the South Indian Transgender Federation organized a beauty pageant for trans women. (Credit: Special Arrangement)

Riya from Erode was crowned Miss Koovagam in the event. (Credit: Special Arrangement)