Monday, March 14, 2022

Worshipping as Women


Responding to my Whose Saree Now? post, Priya reminded me of the Kottankulangara Festival, an annual Hindu festival in Kerala, India, where over 5,000 men and boys irrespective of their religious faith dress as women and girls. The festival takes place at the Kottankulangara Devi temple at Chavara, Kerala, which is sacred to the goddess Bhagavathy. 

Every year this festival is celebrated on the 10th and 11th day of Meenam (mid-March). On the festival day, thousand of devotees visit the Temple to seek the blessings of the Goddess Bhagavathy. The men dress up in the female attire of their choice. Some wear Set sari, Pattu sari, half sari or even dance costumes.

While some of the devotees are dressed up by their female family members, there are a number of beauticians, makeup artists and clothiers around the temple, who charge between $6 and $26 for decking out the faithful

Priya sent me links to the following articles about the festival:

And YouTube has a slew of videos related to the festival. This video, in particular, provides a sample of the excellent quality of the femulations by the festival attendees.

In India, the general public’s tolerance (or lack thereof) of crossdressing is about the same as in the USA. So I found it interesting that attendance at this festival en femme is so acceptable among the civilians. I guess the festival’s acceptance is due to its religious aspect. Even young boys are encouraged to crossdress when religion is involved!

And so it goes!




Wearing Mayloz
Wearing Mayloz

Men worshipping as women at India’s Kottankulangara Festival

4 comments:

  1. Fascinating piece, dear. Thanks

    A Flickr photo album of the festival can be seen at:https://www.flickr.com/photos/ashitdesai/albums/72157633098186113/with/8593703791/

    Aunty

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  2. This would be a great bucket list event with helpers available to help you look your best

    I suggest a low height chunky heel and not a stiletto

    As you place your offering to the femulater gods you can be blessed for being you
    Brenda

    Is the Vegas crossdressers conference just as big?

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  3. I guessing a lot of guys all of a sudden get very religious at this time of year!!!


    I thinking maybe this year for Lent I'll give up men's clothes and walk in the shoes our blessed Ladies for 6 weeks!

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  4. There is a spiritual element to cross dressing, that I feel, and these festivals celebrate. It takes off from gender euphoria to yet a higher and more wonderous level. This is creating the whole in holy. -- Deborah Sawyer

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