Pune: Transgender community set to make Dahi Handi debut by breaking the tradition

Over 60 members from the community, in four groups, will participate in Dahi Handi celebrations on the occasion of Janmashtami. The event is being organised by several transgender activists such as Sharvari Gawande and activists of Shivpratap Vadya Pathak.

Written by Shubham Tigga

Members of the LGBTQIA community associated with the Mangalmukhi Kinnar Charitable Trust will participate in Dahi Handi celebrations at the Gogte School premises in Narayan Peth on Thursday.

Over 60 members from the community, in four groups, will participate in Dahi Handi celebrations on the occasion of Janmashtami. The event is being organised by several transgender activists such as Sharvari Gawande and activists of Shivpratap Vadya Pathak. The ceremony of breaking the matka filled with butter or curd will start from 5 pm and last till around 10 pm.

Mangalmukhi Kinnar Charitable Trust coordinator Kadambari said they have participated in various occasions and gatherings so far but had never taken part in Dahi Handi celebrations.  “It’s also about our rights. Earlier we were denied respect and opportunities to take part in social gatherings. This is a huge opportunity for us, which will lead us to participate in big events in the future like Pro-Dahi Handi. This will be a historical moment,” she said.

Priya Late, a transgender who recently started working as a security guard at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and is married, said this is a cheerful moment because people are now providing opportunities to the transgender community in such events.

“My parents left me because of my identity for a long time. However, as they became socially aware of our community and identity, they accepted me. We are all equal just like other human beings and people need to understand this. Lastly, I will be thankful to all the people who have organised this event for us,” Late said.

Courtesy : TIE

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