The Hidden Rituals of the Kinnar Community: Why Their Funerals Are Kept a Secret?

New Delhi: Society mostly talks about two forms of human beings. The man and woman. But there is a third form too. They are called 'Kinnars'. A large part of society keeps distance from them. Yet Kinnars show up at auspicious occasions. Their blessings are considered powerful. Their curse is feared even more.
The Kinnar community holds many secrets. Most people are still unaware of them. One of the biggest secrets is around their funeral rituals. These traditions are unlike anything most people have seen or heard of.

Why the Funeral is kept secret?

When a Kinnar dies, the funeral procession is kept hidden from the outside world. It is not carried out in the open like other communities do. Everything happens quietly. And most of it happens at midnight.
The body is also carried differently. In most communities, the body is carried on four shoulders. Kinnars do not follow this. The body of a deceased Kinnar is carried upright, not lying flat. This itself sets their rituals apart from everyone else.

Why it is hidden from public eyes?

There is a strong belief behind keeping the procession secret. It is said that if anyone outside the community sees the Kinnar body or the funeral procession, that person will be born as a Kinnar in their next life. This belief is taken very seriously. That is why the entire process is shielded from public view.
Death is also not mourned, but it is celebrated. Kinnars do not grieve when one of their own dies. The belief is that the soul has finally been freed from a life full of suffering and hardship. The death is seen as liberation, not loss.
During this time, Kinnars pray to their deity Iravan. They ask that the departed soul should not be born as a Kinnar again in the next life.

Burial, but why not cremation?

Hindus cremate their dead. Kinnars do not. They bury their dead. Before burial, the body is wrapped in white cloth. Care is taken that there are no knots or bindings on the body. The reason is spiritual. They believe the soul must be free to attain moksha. Any binding on the body could hold the soul back.
According to the Garuda Purana, Kinnars are given a status equal to Yakshas and Gandharvas.

A week of fasting after the funeral?

The rituals do not end with burial. After the funeral, members of the Kinnar community observe a fast for one full week. Prayers are offered for the peace of the departed soul throughout this period.