Ajmer Hosts First-Ever All India Transgender Conference

Ajmer has become the venue for the first-ever All India Kinnar Mahasammelan, a historic 10-day transgender conference held at a private school in Vaishali Nagar. The event, which began on February 17, 2025, with the Khichdi Tulai ritual, is aimed at addressing issues faced by the transgender community across India. The conference is organized in memory of Anita Bai, the mentor of Gaddipati Saloni Nayak, a respected figure in Ajmer’s transgender community.

Attended by over 2,000 transgender members from various states, the event is deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions. Various rituals, including Kalash Puja and Chak Pujan, are being performed, emphasizing the community’s spiritual beliefs. The conference also features stalls related to medical services, banking, perfumes, and travel. The event is being conducted under strict supervision, ensuring only invited members are allowed entry.

Key Highlights

Conference Overview

• Location: Vaishali Nagar, Ajmer
• Organizer: Gaddipati Saloni Nayak, in memory of mentor Anita Bai
• Duration: 10 days
• Attendees: Over 2,000 transgender members from different states
• Objective: Addressing transgender rights, community traditions, and spirituality.

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Traditional Rituals and Ceremonies

Khichdi Tulai Ritual (Opening Ceremony)

• Marked the beginning of the conference on February 17
• Involves offering rice, lentils, sugar, dry fruits, and ghee to prepare khichdi as an offering to Goddess Bahuchara
• Community members collectively partake in the prasad, reinforcing unity and faith

Kalash Puja

• Conducted to welcome guests
• A Kalash (sacred pot) is carried in front of attendees, who contribute offerings as per their faith

Chak Pujan (February 19, 2025)

• Another significant religious ritual during the Mahasammelan
• Followed by a procession by the Kinnar community through Ajmer

Security and Entry Regulations

• Strict Supervision: Only members permitted by Gaddipati Saloni Nayak are allowed entry
• Security Personnel: Deployed at the gates to verify every guest
• Religious Procedures: Every guest must first visit the Bahuchara Temple before participating in the conference

Cultural and Social Aspects

Grand Pandal Setup

• A special ritualistic pavilion located 20 meters from the temple
• Live LED streaming of ceremonies for all attendees

Community Participation

• Traditional Rajasthani hospitality is being extended to all guests
• Special stalls featuring medical services, banking facilities, perfumes, and travel services

Religious and Social Harmony

• The Kinnar Akhara Parishad acknowledges the contribution of leaders like PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath
• The transgender community believes in unity across religions, promoting peace and harmony

Key Statements from Community Leaders

Deepika Bai (Disciple of Saloni Nayak)

• Expressed gratitude for the large-scale organization of the event
• Highlighted the importance of Khichdi Tulai in strengthening community faith

Neeta Bai (Community Member)

• Described the joy and enthusiasm among transgender attendees
• Emphasized the cultural significance of welcoming guests with Rajasthani traditions

Sapna Bai (Member of Kinnar Akhara Parishad, Jaipur)

• Referred to the event as the “Maha Kumbh of the Kinnar Community”
• Highlighted Ajmer’s religious harmony and its significance as a pilgrimage center