Transvestites preparer to marry the god Aravan to celebrate the Aravani festival in the town of Koovagam in the Tamil Nadu state of India April 20, 2005. After being symbolically married to the god for one night, those that participate are widowed the next morning. The festival, popular among Indian transvestites, celebrates myth of the marriage of the Hindu Lord Aravan to Lord Krishna, who transformed himself into a woman as a reward to Aravan for sacrificing himself to ensure victory during war.<br />
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Photo by Keith Bedford