A transgender, who had continuously been coming to Koovagam every year, was the centre of attraction on the last day of the Koothandavar festival, as scores of people crowded around him and gave audience to the heartrending story of his life.
This transgender, who reportedly belongs to the Muslim community, had been coming to the festival site, on the last day of the festival. He would be here from early morning until evening and would continuously cry and lament, without consuming water or food.
Two women, residents of the surrounding villages, said, “We have been seeing him at the festival for the past seven years. To confirm his presence this year too, we looked for him and found him sitting here. He belongs to Muslim community and is a native of Thiruvannamalai, and is from a wealthy family. We came to know about these details by overhearing him as he lamented and narrated the tragic story of his life. He never speaks to anybody, and keeps on crying for the whole day.”
Narrating his story, the transgender said, “I was born with three other siblings. We lived normally for many years. But 20 years ago, I suddenly felt some difference in me. I was unable to understand as to why I was not able to behave normally, like my brothers. My family started developing hatred against me and deserted me. If my parents could not understand my feelings then I need not say about society.”
Village locals said, “This transgender is engaged in business and earns well. But still, his heart pounds with pain as his family has deserted him. Every year he comes here and cries his heart out. On the last day of the festival, beginning from morning until night, he keeps crying continuously. Many women from surrounding villages come here to listen to his sad story.”