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FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Mohini - The Untold Story

‘It’s like a trans-Barbie world!’: the Indian festival where transgender women can celebrate without fear

The annual gathering at Koovagam is rooted in an ancient poem. Five trans attendees talk about what the event means to them in light of a controversial change to the country’s gender recognition law

The Guardian - UK

The Mohini Avatar Story That Explains Shiva and Vishnu’s Bond

The story of Mohini begins during one of the most dramatic cosmic events in Hindu tradition, the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean, where gods and demons struggled to obtain amrita, the nectar of immortality. When the nectar finally emerged, it did not bring peace but chaos, as…

One Night Marriage, Next Day Mourning Why?

One Night Marriage, Next Day Mourning Why?

In a quiet village of Koovagam, something extraordinary unfolds every year. Thousands arrive from across the country. Music echoes through the streets Brides dress in silk, gold, and flowers. For one night, it feels like a celebration of love and belonging. But by morning everything changes. Bangles are broken. Sindoor…

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Why Do Thousands Marry for One Night and Break Their Mangalsutra?

Imagine a festival where thousands of men dress as brides for a single night, only to break their mangalsutras the next morning. It sounds impossible but in Tamil Nadu’s famous Koovagam Festival, this ancient ritual is celebrated every year. The origin of this extraordinary tradition lies deep within the Mahabharata,…

‘Harder to breathe…no space to play indoors’: Delhi kids face a double chokehold each year

Working long hours at a poorly ventilated tyre repair shop in Delhi’s Shahdara, each breath feels like a battle for 13-year-old Rajesh. But he must go on. Because he has to support his family’s rising expenses, including the Rs 1,000 spent every month on his tuberculosis treatment.

A 700-year-old dargah, a tradition of inclusivity, and a threat: Urs at Haji Malang in Mumbai

Photographs by Shreya Shetty.

RLV Ramakrishnan wants to perform Mohiniyattam at every stage in Kerala to protest against racist slurs made by a dancer

RLV Ramakrishnan says he wants to perform Mohiniyattam at every stage in Kerala to protest against racist slurs

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Ten Indian women who made history | From Our Archives

Ten Indian women who made history | From Our Archives

These are ten Indian women pioneers who began a new era in fields across science, sport, arts, politics and more.

Power, identity, resistance, and the Supreme Court: The story of Koovagam

Power, identity, resistance, and the Supreme Court: The story of Koovagam

“For us Kinnars, marriage is not made in heaven. We get married on a battlefield.”

Brahmotsavams: Lord Govindaraja blesses devotees in Mohini avatar

The processional deity of Lord Govindaraja in Mohini avatar was taken on a palanquin around the temple here on Tuesday as part of the annual Brahmotsavams. The procession was accompanied by a colourful ensemble comprising temple elephants, instrumentalists (Mangala Vayidyam) and artistes performing ‘Bhajan’ and ‘Kolatam’.

Choreographic legacies, human connectivity, and a psychedelic rainbow celebration: FRAME is a joyous festival of dance

Choreographic legacies, human connectivity, and a psychedelic rainbow celebration: FRAME is a joyous festival of dance

Staying true to its objectives of representing dance artists from across practices and lineages, the inaugural FRAME Dance Festival offered a diversity of performance styles and forms in locations around Melbourne and beyond.

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