Akhara

Published on 29th June, 2016, on scroll.in . While transgendered people are getting shot in Pakistan, a rather different sentiment was on display at the month-long Simhashta Kumbh, which ended in Ujjain on May 21. Thousands of devotees lined up at the newly formed Kinnar Akhara to seek the blessings of the transgender community. Kinnar or Kin-nar literally means what-men and is the closest Sanskrit word for transgenders. In ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Puranas, there are references to kinnars serving as musicians in the celestial palace of Indra, king of the Devas and ruler of the sky. In modern Indian society, however, they ..