Trans community in Bhubaneswar hold 'Kalash Yatra' to celebrate Navratri

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], October 15 : The trans community in Bhubaneswar, led by All Odisha Kinnar Mahasangh president Meera Parida, held a 'Kalash Yatra' to celebrate Navratri following rituals at Bindusagar Lake in Bhubaneswar.
Parida said, "I send our greetings to all the people of the country on the occasion of Navratri. My only wish would be for Maa to fulfil the wishes of all the people in the world and ensure all people live as one irrespective of caste, religion and gender. The water (of Bindusagar lake) is very pure. The Kalash yatra and the installation of the idol of Mata are followed by rituals for world peace."
Parida added, "On all these 9 days, we worship different incarnations of the goddess."
"We also worship those who are marginalised in society like transgender people. To spread the message of Sanatan Dharma, we conduct Bhagwat Pranayam. As a Kinnar, Hindu and citizen of India, we try to please the goddess and pray for the world," Parida said.
BJD MP Sulata Deo said people should learn from this festival as even today, girls are not treated as equals.
"Navratri is starting today. The puja performed over the next ten days is very important. This is the puja of purity. Here, there is no caste, religion, or gender. From ancient times, girls are worshipped here. There is no difference between men and women. People should learn from this festival and treat girls with the respect that they deserve," she added.