Ramnami Community; Skin as Canvas, Faith as Identity

We travelled from Raipur to meet the Ramnaami community — known for their deep devotion to Lord Ram. What struck me was how their faith is expressed through design.

One story says a man named Parashurama was denied entry into a Ram temple because of his caste. In response, he tattooed the name “Ram” all over his body, including his face. His body became his temple. Another story says that during the Mughal period, when they were asked to distance themselves from Ram, the entire village tattooed the name across their bodies as an act of collective identity.

From a design perspective, these are not just tattoos. They are typography as resistance.

The repeated word “Ram” forms rhythm and pattern across skin. Placement on the forehead, arms, and chest creates a structured composition. It feels like a living grid system — minimal, bold, and deeply symbolic. Repetition becomes identity.

Their white shawls, printed with lines of “Ram,” extend this visual language. Black text on white fabric creates strong contrast and clarity. The handmade mukut with peacock feathers adds vertical balance. During bhajans, the sound of ghungroo bells adds rhythm to the visual repetition. It becomes a complete sensory design system.

Today, the younger generation is not fully tattooing themselves, as they seek work outside. Slowly, this living design tradition is fading.

If you would like to meet the Ramnaami community, let us know in the comments.