Every year for 18 days, the otherwise sleepy village of Koovagam comes alive. Dance, music, lights, and prayers, the scintillating display of the utmost celebration of the transgender community in the country come together here to the Koovagam festival. Celebrated in the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar (April/May), the one-of-its-kind festival in India challenges the extreme summer heat and brings together an oppressed community. The festival which gains more popularity by each year is attended by transgender people and a larger LGBTQI community from across India, Sri Lanka, and even Southeast Asian countries. Koovagam village located about 25 km away from Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu is home to the Koothandavar Temple is the place where this festival is primarily held. With a history dating back centuries, Lord Aravan is believed to be one of the core elements of this festival. Various mythological stories are told here that sheds light on the lor
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