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

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)