The Hijras (Eunuchs)

Eunuchs, transsexuals, or transgender men are known as hijras in South Asia. They adopt feminine gender identity, women's clothing and other feminine gender roles. Etymologically, the word hijra is an Urdu word, seemingly derived from the Arabic root hijr or emigration in the sense of "leaving one's family, tribe or country," and it has been borrowed into Hindi.

Many hijra live in all-male communities, and have sustained themselves over generations by "adopting" young boys who are rejected by, or flee their family. Many work as male sex workers for survival. According to estimates by health organizations, only 10% of hijras are actually castrated.

Be Glad Like Me

Indian slum children react to camera 

Dilli Heritage walk

Pictures of Heritage Walk In Old Delhi:Jama Masjid-It is one of the most impressive monuments in Delhi. And is one of the largest mosques in Asia. 

Bleeding Elegies

The month of Muharram is an important period of mourning in the Shi'a branch of Islam. The event marks the anniversary of the Battle of Karbala when Imam Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of Muhammad the founder of Islam, and a Shi'a Imam, was killed. Many of the male participants congregate together in public for ceremonial chest beating as a display of their devotion to Imam Hussain and in remembrance of his suffering. 

Shi'ite Muslim women attend an Ashura procession in  Amroha,  january 5, 2009. Ashura is a 10-day-long event where Shi'ite Muslims commemorate the death of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Imam Hussein in battle in 680AD.

Shi'ite Muslim  attend an Ashura procession in Amroha

A Shi'ite Muslim

  checking  Blades in chains, to be used for self-flagellation ritual during an Ashura procession in Amroha.

"BREATHING BLADES"

 

Shi'ite Muslims flagellate themselves during a Moharram procession ahead of Ashura in Amroha in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh January 6, 2009. Ashura, a 10-day-long event, commemorates the death of the Prophet Mohammad's{SAW} grandson Imam Hussein(A.S) in battle about 1,300 years ago

"SALVATION IN FLAGELLATION"

"SWINGING BLADES - SPRITUAL SHADES"

"REMEMBERANCE AN OFFERINGS"

"NO PAINS, FOR CHAINS"

"BLOOD TRUNS TO ELIXIR"

"PIOUS MASOCHISTS"

Shi'ite Muslims beat themselves during an Ashura procession in Amroha. Ashura, a 10-day-long event, commemorates the death of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Imam Hussein in a battle in the Iraqi city of Karbala 1,300 years ago