In a first, transgenders too perform shradhdh in Kashi

Transgenders from various parts of the country came together in Varanasi on Saturday to perform shradhdh — a post-death ritual — for their departed ancestors.

This is the first time that transgenders were allowed to perform the ritual known as pind daan, an offering to the ancestors. It is believed that this ritual helps the departed souls get salvation from the cycle of birth and death.

The transgenders were led by religious head Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narain Tripathi when they visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Maa Annapurna temple. They performed elaborate pujas at the temples, including offering milk to Lord Shiva at the Vishwanath temple.

They then prayed at the Maa Annapurna temple, where they offered kumkum (vermillion) to the deity and prayed for the prosperity of all, particularly soldiers of the Indian Army, they said.

After the temple visits, the transgenders performed the shradhdh and pind daan.

Sakshi, a transgender, said, “For years we have faced social ostracism and have been prevented from performing these rituals. It took a lot of effort for the priests to allow us to perform shradhdh, and we hope that after this puja , our ancestors will be freed from their traumatic life and death circle.”

According to sources, it was only till the Mughal period that transgenders were allowed to participate in rituals and Saturday’s event can be termed as a milestone of sorts.

The shradhdh is held during Pitra Paksh, a 16-day lunar period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors and make various offerings.

The period of Pitra Paksha is considered to be inauspicious by Hindus.