The largest congregation of faith on Earth, the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, begins on Tuesday in India. Amid the throngs of people from all walks of life visiting the fair, there are several sects of ascetics, saints, sadhus (wandering Hindu holy men), sadhvis (female ascetics), and even tourists from all over the world.
All of them hope to bathe in the confluence of three rivers considered holy by the Hindus, to wash away their sins and be blessed.
Held at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati rivers, the Prayagraj Kumbh binds pilgrims together through their faith, and the rituals, practices, traditions and social customs therein.
Historically, the origin of Kumbh Mela dates back to 8th-century philosopher Shankara. It recounts the war between Gods and Demons over the sacred pitcher (Kumbh) which held Amrit (nectar of immortality). It is believed that Lord Vishnu disguised as Mohini took the Kumbh to heaven and in doing so a few drops of the nectar of immortality fell on the four sacred sites — Hardwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayag.
Source: Anurag Shukla/Sat Putra Kinnar Akhada
Now the major attraction for those attending the Kumbh is the 'Akhadas', hugely extravagant gatherings and processions of sadhus. Millions of sadhus take part in these Akhadas.
Every Akhada has its own rules and regulations, while their daily routine varies, and the deities and religious rituals of these Akhadas differ greatly.
Millions of people gather just to snatch a glimpse of these Akhadas as processions composed of horses, elephants and all manner of pomp and religious fervour are a treat to watch.
There are 13 Akhadas in all, but for the very first time this year at Prayagraj, an Akhada will be exclusively dedicated to a transgender congregation known as the 'Kinnar Akhada'.
Source: Sat Putra Kinar Akhada
Several chariots, camels, horses are part of their procession, and transgender community members have danced to spiritual music as the procession moved toward the Kumbh Mela.
Source: Sat Putra Kinar Akhada
Acharya Mahamandleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi is the chief of the Kinnar Akhada.
Though the Kinnar Akhada has been relentlessly trying to make a mark, it was the Supreme Court of India's decision to formally recognise transgender people that has greatly helped their mission. The congregation also participated in last Sinhasth Kumbh at UJaain and now for the first time it is attending the Prayagraj Kumbh.
“We were always present," Acharya Mahamandleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi tells SBS. "You take any Vedas, Ramayan, there is mention of our community. We are now participating in the Kumbh.”
It has been a long journey, but finally, Kinnar Akhadas have got their due. Now they also have gained support from 'Juna Akhada', which is the largest Akhada of holy men participating in the Kumbh Mela.
