MARK MUSCAT DE CELIS
In the name of Ram

The Ramnami sect are followers of Lord Ram, found in Chhattisgarh. They were denied entry to Hindu temples as were perceived as a lower caste. The facial tattoos were the most painful, it means that for days a Ramnami could not eat but just drink fluids as their face would be too swollen. It took weeks to complete the full body tattoos. The ink used was produced by putting a plate on kerosene lamps so that this catches the sooth. With a needle the tattoos were then applied. Nowadays this tradition is slowly dying as the young Ramnamis fear they will be discriminated against when applying for jobs.

Author
A hobbyist photographer with a passion for people and cultures

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