The old Lahore

Punjab, Pakistan

DECOLONIAL QUEER HISTORY SERIES

Hijras are the third gender of South Asia. Some hijras might identify as women, but others would also identify as neither male or female, or as “in-between”.

Hijras have been part of South Asia’s culture for thousands of years. They were celebrated in sacred Hindu texts, including the Mahabharata, and they enjoyed influential positions in the courts of the Mughal empire.

The current climate of discrimination and ostracism they suffer is a direct consequence of colonialism. When Britain colonized India a lot of laws were passed criminalizing sexual diversity and non-binary genders expressions, including Hijras, who created their own communities and their own secret code language for protection.

Since 2014 legislations to recognized a separate third gender category on official documents have been passed in India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Photographer Dayanita Singh wrote about her friendship with an Indian hijra where she reported, “When I once asked her if she would like to go to Singapore for a sex change operation, she told me, ‘You really do not understand. I am the third sex, not a man trying to be a woman. It is your society’s problem that you only recognise two sexes.'”

sources: theguardian.com/pbs.org

DISCLAIMER: Terms under the LGBTQ+ umbrella are Western terms. A lot of these communities might not or would not have felt identified with such terms. Due to colonialism, imperialism, and aggressive religious expansions a lot of these communities' history was destroyed, however they managed to survive to this day one way or another, and they are part of the global queer community and history.

Australianama: The South Asian Odyssey in Australia

Australianama: The South Asian Odyssey in Australia is a research monograph that tells the history of South Asian migration and the "aboriginal" community during the British colonisation of Australia. Concerning Australian social and cultural history side by side, this book is worth reading for its interdisciplinary approach. Scholars, students, and the general public interested in migration and ethnic studies will be benefitted from the book. Australianama proposes a fresh look at the monolingual sources of Australian history. The book narrates the glimpses of travellers who might be able to connect 19th-century Bengal to Australia.

Continue reading...

ஞாயிறு/ Ñāyiṟu (The Sun) இனிய பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்!!!! Featuring THE Tamil Festival, we have arrived at the next instalment of our Tarot series- The Sun. Pongal is perhaps THE most popular Tamil festival. Marking the beginning of the very significant month of தை (Thai) in the Tamil calendar, Pongal is a three-day harvest festival that celebrates the reaping the benefits of months-long labour. The first day of Pongal is Thai Pongal and marks the beginning of the month of தை (thai). The second day is Māttu Pongal. As the name suggests, it is the day that farmers bathe their cattle, decorate them with turmeric, saffron and garlands, and feed them food to thank them for their help in producing a bountiful harvest. The final day is Kānum Pongal. Kānum literally means "see". This day is dedicated to meeting with family and friends, catch up, and just have a good time. Jallikattu, also called Manjuvirattu, is another highlight of Pongal festivities- a kind of bull chasing where players have to hang on to a running bull long enough to untie the cloth tied to its horns for a prize. If no one succeeds in doing so, the prize goes to the bull's owner. The most important thing, perhaps, is how communal and inclusive Pongal is. Pongal is a TAMIL festival celebrated by Tamils and Tamil enthusiasts globally. To label Pongal as 'Hindu' is not only a gross misunderstanding, but only adds to the harmful and flawed idea that the Tamil identity is synonymous with Hinduism, which, as we have already seen on multiple occasions, cannot be further from the truth. A common argument is that Pongal is Hindu because it's centred around thanking the Sun 'god'. Nature worship is so ancient it goes beyond the birth of any organised religion, and is a common indigenous practice worldwide, a practice that no organised religion can claim ownership over. So go ahead, eat cakkara Pongal, go out and most importantly, be grateful to the farmers who put food on our table. Pongal is for EVERYONE! 😘🫰🏽✨ #leanderscribbles#tamil#தமிழ்#tamilartist#tamilart#tamilculture#tamilhistory#tamilheritage#pongal#jallikattu#tamilheritagemonth#eelam#india#asia#southasia#asianart https://www.instagram.com/p/CnbME0sh4Os/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

reblog for a greater spread!

The second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Diyaluma Falls.

Trying to see the beauty and good in everything.

😭😭😭 I mean. I’m not wrong.

Two years of Sapan, honouring Lyse Doucet, a music competition, and more

Can you believe Sapan has been at it for two years? That’s the Southasia Peace Action Network, Sapan, ICYMI (‘in case you missed it’ for the uninitiated, helping you get with it, you’re welcome) Excited for the second anniversary event up this Sunday, hosted by the amazing Khushi Kabir in Dhaka, taking forward the legacy of our late friend Kamla Bhasin at Sangat. We’ll review what we’ve done…

View On WordPress

Mandaram Eco Resort in Sri Lanka.

( DM for credits or removal )

Wake up to the beauty of Bangladesh! 🇧🇩 From breathtaking sunsets to rich cultural heritage, this country is a true gem in South Asia. 💎 The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring. 🗓️ Discover the must-visit places in Bangladesh, including the historic Lalbagh Fort, the stunning Cox's Bazar beach, and the beautiful tea gardens in Sylhet. 🏰 Immerse yourself in the local culture and take a stroll through the bustling streets of Dhaka. 💃 Don't forget to take home some souvenirs, like traditional hand-woven textiles, tea, and delicious sweets. 🎁

Like & follow us 📲 for more premium travel tips & tricks 💫!

he's a 10 but he doesn't listen to falguni pathak.

The contentment of studying at midnight before an exam while everybody sleeps.

Wishing all my Trinidadians and ancestors a Happy Indian Arrival day 🔁 • @cutlassmagazine This picture captures the first Indian Arrival Day celebration in Trinidad on May 30th, 1945. The “East Indian Centenary” marked the 100th year of Indian presence in the nation. It took place in Skinner Park, San Fernando, and local leaders like Adrian Cola Rienzi (Krishna Deonarine) were present. Written statements from public figures, such as Gandhi, were read. But the festivities soon waned. By the 1970s the Divine Life Society, a Hindu sect, was the only group continuing the practice. It was named “Indian Emigration Day” and found little attention beyond the town of Chaguanas. There was a shift after the Indian Revival and Reform Association (IRRA) was founded in 1976 to tackle racism towards Indians and promote the culture. In 1977, an IRRA panel was assembled with Rajiv Sieunarine, Azamudeen Jang, Khalique Khan, Ramdath Jagessar, Anand Rameshwar Singh, Rajesh Harricharan, and Michael Shankar. The next year Rajnie Ramlakhan, Ashok Gobin, and Anand Maharaj joined. They issued a pamphlet in 1978 outlining the very beginning of Indian indentureship in 1845. It listed the names of the “jahajis” aboard the Fatel Razack ship and covered their history. The Trinidad Express newspaper promoted the document while The Guardian published an article by Kusha Haracksingh about the journey on the “kala pani” (black water). San Fernando Secondary School also held an event and the television show Mastana Bahar aired an Indian Emigration Day special. The IRRA worked with the Secretary General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS), Satnarayan Maharaj, on a showcase at Lakshmi Girls Hindu College, an SDMS-founded school, on May 27th, 1979. To recognize Indians as citizens, and not just emigrants, they jointly agreed to adopt the title “Indian Arrival Day” from then. Source: Scott He and Project Gutenberg #indocaribbeanculture #indocaribbeanhistory #hindi #urdu #hindiurdu #bhojpuri #hindustani #caribbean #westindies #westindian #southasia #southasian #desi #indian #eastindian #india #trinidad #trinidadandtobago https://www.instagram.com/p/CeL0Ssho-f4ZgBwR4qXDzSCY6BB3b8TEw5NPzg0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Best wishes to Buddhists all over the world on Vesak, when we honour the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. #potterycandlebar #vesakday #india #vesakday2022 #buddha #vesakfestival #buddhapurnima #buddhaquotes #buddhatobuddha #buddhaday #buddhastatue #gurupurnima #gurupurnima2022 #buddhism #buddhist #asia #asian #hindu #hindus #southasia #southeast #eastasia #southeastasia #southeastasian #gautamabuddha #budha #meditation #meditationpractice #buddhasbirthday #photoofday (at Pottery, The Candle Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdoRfNMPuYw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Ready to unlock the treasure of India? 🗝️✨

Dive into the vibrant culture and rich history of one of the most-traveled countries in South Asia!🌍 From ancient civilizations to iconic landmarks, India has it all.🕌🐘

Applying for an Indian visa is now easier than ever with our hassle-free online process. Simply fill out the form, submit your documents, and receive your visa via email within 1-3 days. Say "goodbye" 👋 to embassy hassles and "hello"🎉 to your Indian adventure! 

For more details, visit https://www.visa-india-online.org/india-e-visa-for-united-states-citizens

Instagram Post | 26th November 2023

Casa del Rytmo Bracelet by Mayol Hat by Miu Miu Oxford Shirt by Ralph Lauren Ring by La Manso

Sourced at: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Gzctxy23g/