Jogappa Transgender Musicians Bring Sacred Songs to Pune

For centuries, India's Jogappa community has kept a sacred musical tradition alive, but few people outside their villages have heard their songs. That's changing this month when five Jogappa musicians take the stage in Pune alongside renowned artist TM Krishna.

The Jogappas are a transgender community spread across the borders of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Their identity centers around devotion to the goddess Yellamma, expressed through songs they compose and perform on handmade instruments.

"My life is dedicated to singing the songs of the Mother, Yellamma," says Laxmanji, one of the performers. "I have taught myself to write songs, sing and play the musical instrument choudki."

The February 28 performance at the Pune International Centre's Palash festival will feature devotional songs alongside humorous pieces. Siddhama, a prominent Jogappa singer, promises the audience will experience music that electrifies. "There will be songs that will make you feel electrified," she says.

Each Jogappa musician crafts their own instruments. The choudki is a wooden percussion instrument, the sutti is a stringed instrument, and they also play traditional cymbals called taal. They learn their art through a guru-disciple tradition that passes down both musical technique and spiritual practice.

Why This Inspires

Siddhama traces their community's spiritual authority back to an ancient story. According to their tradition, when Rama left for exile, he blessed only men and women to return home but said nothing to the transgender community who had come to see him. They waited 14 years, and when he returned, Rama granted them the power to bless children and families with prosperity.

"If we are living, we are also humans," Siddhama says simply. "You need to recognize that."

She was born in a male body but always knew she was a girl. Now she teaches disciples of her own, passing on songs and skills. In her Karnataka village, neighbors respect her widely. Cities have been slower to welcome the Jogappas, but performances like the Pune concert are opening doors.

"TM Krishna, whom we consider our guru, has given us the opportunity to perform in concerts in big cities," Siddhama explains. "This has helped us to break some barriers with audiences."

The Solidarity Foundation, which supports LGBTIAQ+ communities, notes that Jogappa identity goes beyond gender alone. "Their identity is closely connected to their art and performance," says B Shreya from the foundation. "They have a strong spiritual connection with their music."

Siddhama promises audiences will hear stories that could fill a day. "I have many stories and can regale a listener from morning till the moon comes out," she says.

Music is creating space for understanding where words alone couldn't reach.