Eunuchs, transgenders perform 'Pind-Daan' for departed soul

The Kinnar Akhada here today conducted 'Pind-Daan' for the souls of deceased Kinnars (eunuchs) at the Pishach Mochan Kund.
"It was an attempt to revive the lost ritual of performing prayers for deceased eunuchs," said senior Akhada member and activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi.
Eunuchs and transgenders from across India participated in the 'pind daan' in the holy month of Pitrapaksh, said the Akada member .
"This pind-daan is different from what Hindus follow. In Hinduism pind daan is performed for biological parents and ancestors. However, eunuchs and transgenders perform it for them who were rejected by their parents and adopted by the community," said Tripathi.

"The 'daan' was performed in the presence of 21 Brahmins", said Tripathi, adding they were served food and made offerings at Durgakund.
The event held under aegis of Ganga Mahasabha aims at bringing them into the main stream society, Tripathi said.
Akhada members and participants yesterday offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple and also participated the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh ghat.
Tripathi also released a poster conveying a message to save the girl child and to stop female foeticide.