|
|
INDIA-RELIGION-HINDU-FESTIVAL
In this photograph taken on April 24, 2013, Indian transgenders mourn their 'widowhood' after Hindu priests symbolically behead warrior god Aravan the day after a ritual marriage ceremony with Aravan at the Koothandavar Temple in the village of Koovagam, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thousands of transgenders gather each year, during the full moon of the Tamil month of Chitrai, to participate in the re-enactment of a tale of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Aravan, son of Arjuna, was to be sacrificed by his people, the Pandavas to secure victory in battle and requested one night of wedded bliss with a woman. Lord Krishna, granting his wish, took on the female form of Mohini and spent one night with Aravan, becoming a 'widow' the following day. Based on this myth, the transgenders see themselves as the reincarnation of Lord Krishna and re-enact the marriage and widowhood during the annual festival in Koovagam. Aravan is regarded as the patron god of transgender communities. AFP PHOTO/ Anna ZIEMINSKI
|
|
|
Detalii fotografie |
Loc: |
|
Koovagam, TAMIL NADU, INDIA |
|
Sursa: |
|
AFP / Mediafax Foto |
|
Fotograf: |
|
ANNA ZIEMINSKI |
|
Data: |
|
5 Mai 2013 |
|
Dimensiuni: |
|
4288 x 2848 (1.29 MB) |
|
|
|
|
|
|