Transgender seers allowed for 1st time in Mahakumbh
HARIDWAR: For the first time in the history of Mahakumbh in Haridwar, Kinnars (transgender seers) took part in the age-old ritual of Peshwayi, the royal processions taken out by the Akhadas ahead of the Shahi Snaan during the fair.
Overwhelmed by the opportunity, a large number of Kinnars have arrived in Haridwar to take part in the grand procession. Transgender seer Mahamandaleshwar Tina Maa termed the move of Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada as almost a global recognition for Kinnars.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the highest pontiff of Kinnar Akhada said that with changing times, societal norms are also changing and so is the acceptability of transgender. “Kinnars have century-old tradition of being guardians of art and culture.
“Now, Mahakumbh is providing us a global identity, respect and recognition. Transgenders are now resorting to education and the government should provide us with more amenities,” said Laxmi Narayan.
Welcoming the Kinnars, general secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad Mahant Hari Giri Maharaj said that it’s a ‘Sanatan Dharma’ which involves, imbibes and respects all sections of the society.
“We had pledged that Kinnars will take holy Ganga dip along with Juna Akhada seers. Grand welcome to Kinnars in Peshwayi has proven that they are an integral part of our society,” said Hari Giri.
Eminent religious scholar Dr Pradeep Joshi pointed that from being seeking money to earn livelihood from wedding, birth of child and other occasions, Kinnars in this Kumbh have shown that they too are religious, have cultural and moral values. There are 13 Akhadas that come under Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad. Kinnar Akhada as a separate sub-entity of Juna Akhada was allowed to carry out royal procession and take holy dip in Ardh Kumbh in Prayagraj two years back.
Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad national president Mahant Narendra Giri said that Kinnar Akhada had made a written agreement in prior to duly follow traditions after which their inclusion was granted.