Kolkata welcomes first transgender Durga idol for festivities

Kolkata, Oct 16: Durga Puja is going to be different this year in Joy Mitra street in Kolkata as the puja committee will put up its first transgender Durga deity during the festivities.

The committee along with a local transgenders persons' collective have put up India's first transgender deity for worship and the festivities.

One half of the idol has a mustache, smaller eyelashes and a dhoti whereas the remaining half of the idol is the usual one that one sees during Durga puja.

The community aims to break all stereotypes and embrace people of all genders to celebrate the festival.

Meanwhile, the same collective will also have transgenders perform Durga puja this year. Pratyay Gender Trust in association has made all arrangements so that the transgender women from Kolkata can perform the rituals this year.

A performance by a troupe of a senior transgender artist will inaugurate the puja on Oct 18.

OneIndia News