What is the symbolic significance of the breaking of bangles by hijras on the final day of the Koovagam festival?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Mourning Aravan's death as widows.
Explanation:
☛ The Koovagam festival is an annual 18-day festival celebrated in Koovagam village, located in the Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu.
☛ The festival is held at the Koothandavar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Aravan (also known as Koothandavar), the son of the Pandava prince Arjuna and the Naga princess Ulupi.
☛ According to the legend from the Mahabharata, Aravan volunteered to be sacrificed to Goddess Kali to ensure victory for the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war, but he had a final wish to marry before his death.
☛ Since no woman was willing to marry a man destined to die the next morning, Lord Krishna assumed the female form of Mohini, married Aravan, and mourned his death the following day.
☛ During this festival, transgender individuals (Thirunangai/Hijras) reenact this legend by symbolically marrying Lord Aravan, and on the final day after his ritual sacrifice, they break their bangles, cut their 'thali' (mangalsutra), wear white sarees, and mourn his death as widows.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Timing: This festival is celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May) on the night of the full moon (Purnima).
☛ Bahuchara Mata: She is a revered Hindu goddess considered the patron deity of the transgender (Hijra) community, with her primary temple situated in the Mehsana district of Gujarat.
☛ Legal Recognition: In the landmark NALSA vs. Union of India (2014) verdict, the Supreme Court of India officially recognized transgender people as the 'Third Gender'.
☛ Protection of Rights: The Parliament of India enacted the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act in the year 2019 to safeguard their fundamental and socio-economic rights.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ In which state of India is the famous Koovagam festival celebrated? → Tamil Nadu
☛ Lord Koothandavar is another name for which mythological character of the Mahabharata? → Aravan (Iravan)
☛ Which avatar did Lord Krishna assume to marry Aravan? → Mohini
☛ Where is the prominent temple of Bahuchara Mata, the patron deity of hijras, located? → Gujarat (Becharaji, Mehsana district)
☛ In which landmark year did the Supreme Court deliver the NALSA judgment recognizing the third gender? → 2014