Who are Ramnamis, devotees of Lord Ram with his name tattooed on their body

Chandigarh, January 22

The Ramnamis is a Hindu sect said to be founded by Parasuram in the 19th century that worshiped Lord Ram.

They live in central and northern Chhattisgarh as a peaceful resistance movement against the prevailing caste system in India.

They have tattooed the word ‘Ram’ on their bodies and faces, and wear shawls with the word ‘Ram’ printed on it.

The Ramnamis believe that those who worship Ram establish a deep connection with him.

They believe in gender equality and adorn themselves with ‘ghungroos’ and a crown crafted from peacock feathers.

The process of tattooing is carried out manually by appointed senior Ramnamis, using two wooden needles, making it an intensely painful endeavour, the ink for which is made from soot obtained by burning kerosene oil in an earthen pot.

Almost every Ramnami household owns a copy of the Ramayana, a book on Lord Ram’s life and teachings, along with small statues of Ram. Most followers’ homes in these villages have “Ram Ram” written in black on the outer and inner walls.