While India’s rich traditions is widely known, there are always hidden facts waiting to be discovered. The ‘Ramnami’ Hindu sect of Chhattisgarh region is one such gem, a community where devotion to Lord Ram is etched not just in their hearts, but on their very skin. This is a unique practice of the Ramnamis that reject conventional religious beliefs, choosing instead to see divinity everywhere. No temples, no idols, just a belief that God resides within all, regardless of social standing. In their eyes, the truest form of worship lies in compassion and kindness towards all living beings. A group of people from this sect were in the city for a few days for their bhajan performance at the ongoing Orange City Craft Mela and Folk Dance Festival at South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Civil Lines. In a conversation with ‘The Hitavada’, Gularam, one of the members of the group, explains how their intricate ‘Ram’ tattoos symbolise more than just faith. Their sect has rejected caste system since over a century.

 

He emphasised that there is no specific age or occasion, but it depends on an individual’s wish or devotion to permanently wear Lord Ram’s name on their body. Gularam shared that receiving the ‘Ram Naam’ tattoo entails embracing a specific way of life. This includes a vegetarian diet, abstaining from harmful substances such as drugs or alcohol. However, it is not just about rules. The Ramnamis preach a message of universal brotherhood, transcending the boundaries of community and religion. For them, every space where Lord Ram’s name resonates becomes sacred and auspicious. This unique practice stretches beyond the skin. The clothes they wear are hand-printed with Lord Ram’s name, with the ink made by them. Even the walls of their house have Lord Ram’s name painted on it. They wear a hand-made headgear which has peacock feathers on the top-most layer of the headgear, and also carry with them their ancestral bronze ghunghroos, chiming with each step, a constant reminder of their tradition and lineage. The people of this Hindu sect make their end meet through agriculture.

 

They believe in simple living and say that whatever they earn through agriculture and the production of their farms is enough for them to fulfill their basic needs. Gularam also acknowledges the changing times, and how younger generations prioritise education and job opportunities, opting for partial tattoos or none at all. “The younger generation is more conscious of their looks. However, we do not force anyone, and encourage independent decisions,” he said. Though some traditions may fade, the core values remain. As Gularam says, “Everything has its timeline, but the name of Ram will never fade.” The Ramnamis, with their ink-stained devotion, are a living example of ever-evolving expressions of faith in people in this world.