Jeypore: Transwoman from different parts of Odisha assembled together in Jeypore with great fervour and excitement to celebrate their revered Goddess Murgi mata’s festival. They regard Murgi mata as their mother-in-law and hosted the celebrations with ululations and claps.
As per traditional beliefs, transwoman were part of Satya, Tretaya and Dwapara eras and had an essential role as well. Murgi mata who rides on hen is worshipped by them as their revered goddess since time immemorial. In the early hours before sunrise, they take out a procession with ‘kalash’ (decorated pots for carrying holy water) for the next five days.
This festival of the transwoman is being celebrated by them since 13 years in Jeypore. Transwoman of nearby Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Malkangiri districts also take part in this festival of Jeypore.
They wash the feet of Murgi mata and decorate her with ornaments followed by different cultural programmes. People enjoy the festivities along with the transwoman.
An enormous temple of the deity is located in Mehsana district of Gujarat and at least once in their lives they visit the temple on a pilgrimage. Celebrated once in a year, the Murgi mata’s annual festival is most awaited for the transwoman.
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