Koovagam

Koovagam is a village located in the Ulundurpet taluk of the Kallakurichi district in Tamil Nadu, India. It is primarily known for the Koothandavar Temple, dedicated to Koothandavar, a character from the epic Mahabharata. Koothandavar is a form of Aravan, the son of Arjuna and Ulupi. The village hosts a significant annual festival that attracts a large number of transgender people from across India and beyond. This festival, often referred to as the Koovagam festival, is a vibrant and important cultural event for the transgender community.

During the festival, transgender women, often called "Ali" or "Thirunangai" in Tamil, participate in various rituals and celebrations. A prominent ritual involves transgender women marrying the deity Koothandavar in a symbolic ceremony. This marriage is believed to grant them marital bliss in their current life. The festival also includes cultural performances, beauty pageants, and opportunities for the community to gather, connect, and celebrate their identity.

The Koothandavar Temple and the annual festival are deeply rooted in the local mythology and have become a focal point for the transgender community, offering a space for spiritual fulfillment, cultural expression, and social solidarity. The event has gained national and international recognition for its unique blend of religious tradition and transgender activism.