India transgender gurus in landmark Hindu procession.

Pedro_P

▼  The northern Indian city of Allahabad witnessed a historic procession on Sunday led by a Hindu congregation of transgender people. Photojournalist Ankit Srinivas reports.
Thousands thronged the streets of Allahabad to seek blessings from transgender sadhus (holy people), ahead of the Kumbh Mela festival, which is set to begin in the city on 15 January and will continue until 4 March.
It is one of Hinduism's holiest events and billed as the world's largest religious gathering.
It has been taking place every few years over centuries. Four different northern cities, all along the banks of a holy river, take turns hosting it. Hindus believe that taking a dip in these rivers during the Kumbh will wash away their sins and help them attain salvation. So, tens of millions gather at the festival to do just that.
In the days leading up to the Kumbh, each of Hinduism's 13 official Akharas or congregations embark on processions to mark their arrival at the festival.
These processions are highly coveted as people line up to see holy men and women perched on top of heavily decorated floats.

Sunday's procession was different. It had the usual fanfare - floats, musical bands, camels and horses - but the sadhus were all transgender.
According to one estimate, India has about two million transgender people.  (▪ ▪ ▪)

► Please, read the full news here: Source

dushazmi

MAst hai ye baba log. Mazaa karo. Rathyatra.