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The state-level Kinnar Mahotsav was organized on Sunday by the Department of Art, Culture, and Youth, along with the district administration. The event witnessed the participation of approximately 500 Kinnars (transgender individuals) from Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Nepal, who showcased a variety of performances.
The festival commenced in the evening, around 5 PM, with members of the LGBT group joining the Pride Parade from Bihar Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, making their way to Premchand Rangshala. The parade drew large crowds along the streets, creating a festive atmosphere. About 20 students from Patna Women’s College participated in the parade, holding placards with slogans. The procession, accompanied by DJ music, moved through Dinkar Golambar and reached Premchand Rangshala around 5:45 PM.
During the parade, members of the community celebrated their identity with songs such as “Tip Tip Barsa Pani,” “Saat Samundar Paar,” and “Paanch Ke Nache Aiha.” Two chariots carried community members who jubilantly celebrated their identity. At the event, Reshma Prasad addressed the community, chanting, “It’s okay, I am gay,” “It’s okay, I am lesbian,” and “It’s okay, I am a transman and transwoman.” She also led the chant of “Azadi… Azadi… leke rahenge,” emphasizing the community’s fight for freedom.
Reshma Prasad highlighted that ‘Dostana Safar,’ an organization, has been organizing the Pride Parade since 2012. The objective is to bring LGBT individuals’ lives to the forefront and celebrate their pride and enthusiasm. She also mentioned that three members of their community had recently passed the Sub-Inspector examination, which was a moment of pride for the entire country.
The event saw a grand performance by Rani Kohinoor, who was greeted with cheers from the audience. She performed popular numbers like “Pari Hoon Main,” “Piya Tu,” “Laila Main Laila,” and “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.” Notably, Rani’s first Bollywood song, “Pari Hoon Main,” was sung with Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan and trended for six months. This was followed by a drag performance by Valentina Group and a folk dance by Dostana Safar.
Chief guest Tanay Sultania, Deputy Development Commissioner, shared his experiences, stating that he had been attending the festival for three years and observed that the Kinnar community was increasingly aware of their rights and reservations. He also mentioned that 84 individuals had been provided with identity cards through the district’s Child Protection Unit and Social Welfare Scheme.
The event was graced by notable figures such as Devendra Prasad Shahi, Anil Kumar Sinha, Khagendra Paswan, Pushpesh Kumar, social worker Gina Rana, Manvi Madhu Kashyap, Reshma Prasad, Anupriya Singh, and Veera Yadav. Gina Rana expressed her joy at attending the festival, having come from Nepal, while Manvi Madhu Kashyap, from Banka district, shared her pride in being selected for the Bihar Sub-Inspector post. She encouraged everyone to stay happy and love themselves, emphasizing the importance of education.
Anupriya Singh inspired the audience, stating that nothing is impossible if one is determined, citing examples of Baker Monika Das and Madhavi Madhu. The cultural program began with a welcome song by Dostana Safar, followed by a Chhattisgarhi folk dance presented by Nitya Lok Sanskritik Sanstha. Team leader Yogi Yadav explained that they performed traditional dances like Suva, Karma, and Parab Nacha. Subsequently, Renuka Kala Kendra from Mumbai presented the Godhal folk dance, while Saptrangi Nepal showcased Nepalese folk art.
The Kinnar Mahotsav was a grand celebration of identity, culture, and pride, highlighting the achievements and vibrant spirit of the transgender community. The event not only fostered a sense of unity and joy but also reinforced the message of acceptance and equality.