Meeting Mohini

The photographs follow the ancient Hindu festival celebrating the marriage of Hindu goddess Mohini – the feminine avatar of Vishnu – to Aravan.

In the Tamil month of Chithirai, falling between April and May, thousands of transgender women, non-binary and gender non-conforming people gather in the small village of Koovagam to reenact Aravan’s story.

Having agreed to sacrifice himself for the greater good, Aravan asked the god Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) to be married, even if only for a night. Krishna, god of compassion, protection and love, became the goddess Mohini to fulfil Aravan’s wish.

The images follow transgender women, non-binary and gender non-conforming people – who have long played a central role in the final two days of the festival – capturing the excitement and joy of the wedding day as well as the sadness and pain of funeral ceremony.

The exhibition also focuses on life outside the festival, centring Zoya Thomas Lobo’s own experiences in Mumbai.

Meeting Mohini shines a light on the rich history and traditions of one of the oldest recognised transgender and LGBTQI+ communities in the world, as well as the barriers and challenges that they face and overcome daily.

It is Zoya Thomas Lobo’s first solo exhibition and first exhibition outside India.

Lead image: Gharana from Meeting Mohini: Koovagam through the lens of Zoya Thomas. Image credit: Zoya Thomas Lobo / Horniman Museum and Gardens