Inclusive Hindu Festivals Celebrating Gender Diversity in India

Hindu festivals in India have a long-standing tradition of embracing gender diversity, with various celebrations welcoming and honoring the participation of trans individuals. These festivals do not have a specific label as “festivals for trans people” because the transgender community has played significant roles in numerous religious festivals across the country for centuries.

During British colonial rule, crossdressing faced restrictions and bans in many places, but these unique traditions persisted, especially during religious celebrations. Today, they are experiencing a resurgence. Ideally, Hindu festivals should warmly welcome third-gender devotees, considering their presence as symbols of good fortune and unity.

These festivals bring together a diverse group of individuals, including male-to-female crossdressers, transgender individuals, effeminate gay men, and more. Various trans sects, such as kinnars, aravanis, alis, jogappas, and sakhi-bekhis, actively participate, along with eunuchs who have undergone ritual castration. These festivals are inclusive, welcoming masculine gay men, lesbians, bisexual individuals, and members of the intersex community.

The type of festival often influences the composition of the attendees. Festivals dedicated to male deities like Ayyappa may see more gay men, while those honoring goddesses like Bahucara-mata and Durga-devi tend to have more male-to-female crossdressers. This diversity of energies and perspectives makes these celebrations unique and vibrant.

People attend these festivals for various reasons, including deep devotion, spiritual connection, or simply to enjoy the festivities and socialize. To fully experience the spiritual essence of these festivals, it’s essential to approach them with humility, reverence, and respect for local traditions.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Youth Ki Awaaz