timesofindia.indiatimes.com – TNN
Villupuram: Hundreds of transgenders from various parts of the country and abroad have started congregating at the Koovagam village in Villupuram district to take part in the annual festival in a temple dedicated to Koothandavar (Aravan).
The festival which lasts 18 days symbolizing the 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas in Mahabharata will conclude with the ritualistic snapping of the mangalsutra by the transgenders after a ceremonious procession of an idol of the presiding deity Lord Koothandavar in a temple car on Wednesday noon.