I’m In the village of Santhekudlur in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, the celebration of Holi takes on a unique and captivating form. Here, men participate in a tradition that dates back centuries, transforming themselves by draping sarees and adorning ornate jewellery during the festive occasion.
Unusual #tradition of #crossdressing for #Holi in #AndhraPradesh #Kurnool #Adoni #SanthekulluruVillage where over several generations, men wear jewellery, flowers, dress meant for women during #HoliFestival & do thanksgiving puja to #RathiManmadulu after fulfilment of wish/prayer pic.twitter.com/Q4PQxECRpY
— Uma Sudhir (@umasudhir) March 26, 2024
While Holi is typically associated with vibrant colors and joyful revelry, the villagers of Santhekudlur add an extra layer of tradition to their celebrations. Men of all ages participate in this ritual, gracefully donning women’s attire as they gather to commemorate the festival.
The practice is deeply rooted in local beliefs and customs, with villagers honoring the deity “Rati Manmatha” through this distinctive form of celebration. By dressing in sarees and embellishing themselves with flowers and jewellery, they pay homage to tradition while seeking blessings for happiness and prosperity.
According to local lore, the act of worshipping ‘Kamadeva’ in women’s attire during Holi is believed to bring auspiciousness to families, ensuring blessings from the divine for joy and abundance in their lives.
As the villagers of Santhekudlur continue to uphold this age-old tradition, their unique celebration serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition and belief that enriches the cultural tapestry of Andhra Pradesh.
