12 photos about why Indians put tattoos all over their bodies (13 photos)

They decorate their bodies with tattoos for a reason.





In India there is a whole community of people who have been performing such manipulations with their bodies for centuries. These tattoos are considered sacred because they are painted on their body in the name of God. Their portraits, as well as the process of creating tattoos, were captured by photographer Ly Hoang Long.

All these people are called Ramnas because they have tattoos in honor of Lord Rama on their bodies.



This tradition arose in the 19th century as a protest





Then the lower castes were forbidden to enter the temples and separate wells with water were allocated for them



Because of this, people began to get tattoos on their faces and bodies.



These drawings contain phrases that are addressed to representatives of the upper castes



Messages remind you that God is everywhere, regardless of status



Some people get tattoos as early as childhood



But most paint their bodies in adulthood, for example, after marriage



However, in recent decades this tradition has begun to disappear.



Young Ramnamis constantly face problems when looking for work



That's why they get tattoos in places where they can be hidden by clothing.



In the end, these tattoos helped achieve the goal and practically defeated casteism