TOI exclusive: Barred from temples, they made their bodies a shrine to Ram

Members of the Ramnami community in Chhattisgarh tattoo the name of Ram on their bodies as a form of devotion. This practice began over a century ago as a response to social exclusion from temples due to caste discrimination. However, the tradition of full-body tattooing is declining among younger generations who face modern societal challenges. While many still honor Ram through smaller tattoos, the original practice is fading away.