Hijra

Is Aravani or Chakka same as Hijra?

by

An Indian friend of mine sent me an article about “HINJRA”. It was about a transgender subject so I thought it was misspelled. When I told her about it, she said that everybody in her family refers to Hijra as HINJRA. I checked the word on the internet and learned that there are various words to mean Hijra, which is usually translated into English as eunuch, or hermaphrodite.

Examples:

  • hijre, hizra, hinjida, hinjda
  • aravani, or aruvani, aravanni,
  • pavaiyaa, khusra, jankha, jagappa,
  • khwaaja sira, khwaja saraa
  • napunsaka, napunsakudu, kojja,kojja, maada, ali, kinnar
  • ombodhu, chhakka, bambaiya, kannada

Read more

Coming out ceremony for hijras

by

If you wish to learn more about Hijra, the 3rd gender in India, this is an excellent video that will teach you various facts about being a hijra. Ritu Kala Samskara is shown in this video presentation. It is “coming out” ceremony for transgenders in which they wear saree (sari) for the first time officially … Read more

Life is not easy for Hijras even after court rulings

by

Can Hijras live happily and easily now that the third gender is officially recognized? Not at all. The life is not easy. Majority of people don’t want to employ hijras. When Indians find somebody who is a little different in daily behavior (and especially when the difference is gender-related) they tend to discriminate not only … Read more

Hijra Dance in a Wedding Ceremony

by

Here is a good example of how Hijras dance in wedding ceremonies of ordinary people. Many Hijras live on “bhadai” given by shopowners, parents of newborns, wedding couples, and so on. Wedding ceremonies are the occasion when Hijra can get more-than-ordinary income. Hijra’s dance in wedding ceremonies and people both appreciate and unwelcome their presence. … Read more