Kinnar Akhara, a group of transgender saints pursuing religious activities has emerged as a very significant feature at Prayagraj Kumbh.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayanan Tripathi has said that transgenders were badly exploited in the society and even their parents were forced to live a disgraceful life. He said transgenders have been part of Sanatan Dharm and they have been given respectful status in religious epics and books of Hindu mythology. He said Akhara has provided a forum to transgenders to pursue a dignified life with religious rituals. He said Juna Akhara a traditional powerful Akhara of Sanyasi saints and seers has given the recognition to Kinnar Akhara and has allowed to be part of Shahi Snan procession. Expressing gratitude towards Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Of Juna Akhara Swami Awadeshanand ji Maharaj and Mahamandaleshwar Hari Giri ji Maharaj Kinnar Akhara chief said that Akhara has felt honoured with the decision.
Kinnar Akhara has set up a huge camp in sector 12 at Prayagraj Kumbh and it attracts hundreds of thousand devotees on daily basis. Visitors seeks blessings from the Akhara members. Akhara’s camp will continue till Mahashivaratri contrary to traditional Akharas who leave the Mela after taking third Shahi Snan on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami. Akhara Chief Lakshmi Narayanan Tripathi has announced to set up a Ashram at Prayagraj.