Transgender seer's 90-minute yoga class in Allahabad promotes healthy body, mind

ALLAHABAD: Fitness regulars to Khusrau Bagh are, of late, getting used to busier mornings.
People are coming in droves to the sprawling 16th century garden to practise yoga under the guidance of Kinnar Akhara mahamandaleshwar Bhawani Nath Balmiki, alias Bhawani Maa, who is also the Aam Admi Party (AAP) candidate from Allahabad parliamentary constituency.
The transgender seer - easily spotted in her bright clothes and signature headgear - begins her day as early as 4.30am.
She warms up with a 3km walk before hosting her free-for-all yoga session. TOI caught up with her during one of her recent classes at the heritage garden to understand her knack for asanas. A healthy body houses a healthy mind, the 48-year-old kinnar high priest underlined to explain why she was telling people to stay fit while advocating for democracy.
Not a trained practitioner, Bhawani Maa's 90-minute yoga class is marked by anulom vilom (an alternate breathing technique said to have benefits for those with respiratory issues) and kapalbhati (another breathing exercise that is said to purge body toxins).