Pictures: Inside 'Kinnar Akhada' at Ardh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj

The Ardh Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj started from January 14 to March 3 at the Triveni Sangam - the holy confluence of river Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. / AFP

Terming it 'Akhada beyond sexuality', the head priest of called their first-time participation as a step forward towards aceeptance in the society. / AFP

Pavitra, Secretary of 'Kinnar Akhara', says, “Public & all the devotees who are here have supported us & shown lot of respect for us. We are happy that people here have accepted us.”/ AFP

The Akhada reportedly also faced some protests for its distinct identity. / AFP

LUCKNOW: Kinnar Akhada took part in the Kumbh 2019 For the first time ever. / AFP

Adding further to it, “We met with administration and the concerned ministers to get land allocated for us to set up our camp at this Kumbh. We were very willing to be here and now that we have arrived, the general public and pilgrims have been very supportive. "/ AFP

Thousands of devotees arrived in the city to take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam./ AFP

Participating at the massive congregation of pilgrims, Kinnar Akhada Mahamandaleshwar, Acharya, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi exhumed pride and confidence while talking of her Akhada's debut and said, "For me, it is a wonderful situation to come to this divine Prayagraj Kumbh.”/ AFP