u/Piconblanco

I was heading to the Shantinagar bus stand at Bangalore today in an auto when we stopped at a signal. Just as we rolled to a stop, I saw a Hijra up front who was asking for money from the motorists and was heading towards the auto I was in.

After having witnessed numerous not-so-friendly and borderline traumatic experiences involving such folks, i carry loose change in my pocket when out in public to avoid any unpleasant experiences.

As they came in, I handed out the 20 rupee note I had in my pocket which they took and then extended their hand for their traditional blessing. As they touched my head (my hair is fairly curly), they asked me if those curls were natural (credits to my grandfather’s genes) and mentioned that they looked cute and proceeded to give me a 5 rupee coin as well. The whole conversation was respectful and civil.

I have been pretty scared of these folks in general because of the kind of experiences I had in the last but this interaction was a breath of fresh air to say the least.

I am typing this out sitting in the unreserved coach of the Ernakulam Tatanagar express. Just a while ago, couple of Hijras came through asking for money in their traditional fashion. Up until now, I was under the impression that Kerala was free from such a menace but seems like that is no longer the case. Have they become more common among the trains in Kerala as well or does it have anything to do with where the train is headed (outside Kerala to the Hindi belt)?

I am typing this out sitting in the unreserved coach of the Ernakulam Tatanagar express. Just a while ago, couple of Hijras came through asking for money in their traditional fashion. Up until now, I was under the impression that Kerala was free from such a menace but seems like that is no longer the case. Have they become more common among the trains in Kerala as well or does it have anything to do with where the train is headed (outside Kerala to the Hindi belt)?