Durga Puja in West Bengal is a special time of the year where the region becomes a melting pot of cultures, festivities, and celebrations. The festival of Durga Puja itself is diverse with many regions of India having their own distinct rituals & traditions making the festival even more beautiful.

One such distinct tradition is being followed by the transgender community of Kolkata. They are celebrating the festival by worshipping a special idol of Ardhanarishvara. It is a composite idol divided in half with the forms of Lord Shiva & Godess Parvati.

Ardhanarishvara represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Purusha and Prakriti) and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from (or the same as, according to some interpretations) Shiva, the male principle of God, and vice versa. The union of these principles is exalted as the root and womb of all creation. Ardhanarishvara has its first mention in the historical Hindu epic Mahabharata and also has been mentioned in the Skanda Purana.

Ranjeeta, a member of the association of transgender persons who are organizing this festivity said to ANI “We are celebrating Durga Puja in Garima Griha given to us by the central government for the training purpose of the transgender community. We are happy to celebrate Durga Puja here following all Covid-19 protocols. "

At the Garima Griha, the Ardhanarishwara idol has found a permanent house and has not been immersed for the past 4 years with Pooja being done daily to it by the transgender community. The special rituals of Ardhanarishwara for Durga Pooja started on Thursday, October 7, with Australian consulate general Rowan Ainsworth as the chief guest.

This tradition indicates the inclusive and diverse culture of the Dharmic traditions of India which unfortunately has been damaged by British colonial laws.