A unique ritual where transgenders worship 'Begihalli Plagamma'

A fair is held every year in Karnataka where transgenders gather in order to perform in front of a deity. Worshipping the deity 'Begihalli Plagamma', reportedly avoids any form of sickness. It is one of the important events for the transgender community.

Anekal: A fair is held every year in rural Karnataka, where thousands of people from the state and the neighbouring Tamil Nadu gather in Anekal, a rural town in Karnataka.

During this celebration, transgenders gather to perform in front of the deity, as a part of the age-old ritual, marking it as one of the important events for their community.

'Begihalli Plagamma', a deity who was reportedly worshipped during the time when plague (disease) was prevalent in the society, is venerated during this season.

Devotees believe that if one visits the fair, and pray to the deity, they can easily avoid any form of sickness.

During this fair, the transgender community don dark coloured sarees with a large bindi to perform in front of the deity.

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