Hijra is the name
given to a group of male transvestites who have self-castrated as a ceremonial
abandonment of their sexuality.
Hijras are often used as gay prostitutes, and they are a
well-known aspect of most Indian towns' decadent underbelly.
Their primary social purpose is to sing and dance at homes
when a male child is born, however they may also be called upon to perform on
other auspicious occasions.
Their presence is thought to confer health and prosperity on
the sponsoring family, for which the hijras will demand appropriate
compensation.
Their ritual role in connection with births shows a strong
association with fertility, and their presence at any function is believed to confer
health and prosperity on the sponsoring family, for which the hijras will
demand appropriate compensation.
At the same time, the hijras' lives seem to be riddled with
contradictions: although being ritually connected with fertility, they are
infertile, and their sexuality is nonprocreative.
They are a socially marginalized group with extremely low
social standing, despite being connected with auspiciousness and success.
Serena Nanda, Neither Man Nor Woman, 1999, is the only reliable study to yet.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
