The annual festival for transgenders concluded on Wednesday with the widowhood rituals held at the Koothandavar temple in Ulundurpet taluk, Villupuram district. Around 20,000 people participated in the festivities, said one of the organisers of the Miss Koovagam beauty pageant. Several other events like an organ donation drive, awareness campaigns and a clean-up drive were conducted during the 18-day festival.
On Monday night, Praveena from Madurai was crowned Miss Koovagam at the beauty pageant for transgenders. Suchi from Tuticorin took the second place, while Harini from Madurai came third. Actors Shakila and Anuradha were the judges for the event.
Some from the community observed similar festivities and rituals at the Koothandavar temple in Pillayarkuppam in Puducherry.
