Koovagam

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Kuvagam (Tamil: கூவாகம் Kūvākam [ ku ː ː ʋa ɡʌm ], also Koovagam ) is a village in the district of Viluppuram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Taluk Ulundurpettai between Ulundurpettai (19 kilometers south-west ) and the district capital of Viluppuram (24 kilometers north-east ). The population is approximately 3,000 ( 2011 census ).

Kuvagam is known for the annual Festival of hijras and homosexuals, which will be held in the Tamil month Chitrai (April / May) and lasts fortnight. The festival takes place in Koothandavar Temple. According to the Mahabharata, the Prince Aravan was to be sacrificed by his family, in order to avert an imminent defeat. He agreed, but wanted the night before the sacrifice to spend with a woman. Since no woman was who wanted to be after a night widow of Lord Krishna took the form of a woman and married Aravan. The hijras take on the role of Krishna, spend the night with a man of their choice and the next morning " widows ". Here are their bangles by beating and wailing in ritual dances. There is also a beauty contest and other competitions, such as a singing competition and seminars on health issues and fundamental rights of hijras.

Except for hijras and homosexual men, this festival also attracts many men who otherwise live an inconspicuous heterosexual life.