Karnataka   

Yellamma Jatre attracts a unique set of devotees

Yellamma Hills (Belgaum District): Unlike in the past, a large number of Jogappas and Hijras (transsexuals) are flocking, mainly from the neighbouring districts in Maharashtra, on the occasion of Yellamma Jatra here.

Groups of Jogappas and Hijras dressed as women with their foreheads and almost entire body smeared with turmeric powder, carrying the idol of Sri Renuka Devi on their heads, observing ritual ceremonies by offering prayers, singing traditional “chaudiki padas” in veneration of the goddess and dancing to the ear-breaking beats of folk drums can be seen descending from Kolhapur, Sangli, Miraj, Satara, Karad, Pune and Mumbai in Maharashtra and from Bagalkot and Bijapur districts in north Karnataka.

Devotees will not miss a chance to witness these groups and spend a few moments to watch them dance to full crescendo.

Not all but a section of transsexuals identified as Jogappas belonging to the cult of devotees of Sri Renuka Devi and can be seen flocking to Yellamma temples existing in many other parts of southern India, mainly in north Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Some committed devotees consider themselves as “sadhakas” or “sadhakis”and dedicate their life to venerate their deity and live on charity.

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