The Ramnami community, once amongst the marginalised in Chhattisgarh, practices the unique tradition of tattooing the name of Lord Ram on their bodies, symbolising both devotion and a protest against social exclusion. The portrait here is of Ram Mehatar, now 83 years old, who started tattooing himself at the age of 14. He belongs to the Naksik section of the community, known for full-body tattoos, and is among the few left who have their entire bodies covered with the name of Ram. His tattoos, made from a mixture of babool tree (Gum Arabica) and castor oil ash, are a testament to his lifelong commitment. This project aims to tell his story of faith, resilience, and identity. If you wish to interact or document the tribe, please reach out to the community here.





