Allahabad: Kinnars or hijras as they are known more popularly, have been making a splash in the sangam city of Allahabad (renamed Prayagraj). Bhawani Nath Valmiki aka Maa Bhawani is a kinnar. Born a beautiful child in a poverty struck dalit family, a close relative sexually assaulted her at 11. As the glances and touches became unbearable, she chose to run away from her Delhi home to join a kinnar jamat (transgender community). Years later, Bhawani would be part of LGBT folklore by leading a movement that got the transgender community equal social and legal status.

Bhawani carved a niche for herself on the religious front by being one of the founders of the Kinnar Akhara which made its presence felt in this year's Kumbh at Prayagraj, from where she is now fighting a Lok Sabha poll against the mighty people. She represents the Aam Aadmi Party.