Two members of the Ramnami tribe became emotional when the Prime Minister broke the protocol allowing them to adorn him with their traditional headgear- peacock feather crown- recently.

About Ramnami Tribe
The Ramnami Tribe (or Ramnami Samaj) is a Hindu sect in Chhattisgarh, India, known for their unique form of devotion where adherents have the name of the god 'Ram' tattooed on their bodies and imprinted on their clothing and homes. The practice originated in the late 19th century as a peaceful protest against the caste discrimination that denied lower-caste individuals entry to temples. 

Core Beliefs and Practices

• Nirgun Worship: The Ramnamis worship a formless (nirgun) divine entity, identified as "Ram," rather than the physical deity from the Ramayana epic. They emphasize that God is omnipresent and accessible to everyone, a belief rooted in the 15th-century Bhakti movement.
• Tattooing as Defiance and Devotion: The practice began with the founder, Parasuram, who tattooed the word "Ram" on his forehead after being denied temple entry. The tattoos, known as godna in the local language, are a powerful symbol of identity, equality, and lifelong resistance against oppression.
• Simple Lifestyle and Equality: The community promotes a simple, austere lifestyle, abstains from drinking or smoking, and mandates the daily chanting of "Ram". They prioritize gender equality, with both men and women getting tattooed.
• Absence of Idol Worship: Ramnamis do not worship idols or enter traditional temples, believing that chanting the name and wearing it on the body brings them closer to God.
• Scripture and Music: They consider Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas a sacred text and recite verses from it daily. Their primary musical instrument during bhajans (devotional songs) is the ghungroo (anklet bells).
• Annual Gatherings: The community gathers annually for a three-day "Bada Bhajan Mela" (fair), a major event for communal worship and social interaction. 

 Current Status and Challenges

• Declining Tattoos: The most significant shift is the decline in full-body tattooing among the younger generation. Due to the stigma and fear of discrimination in modern urban job markets, many young Ramnamis are choosing not to get fully tattooed, opting instead for a single, less visible tattoo on their arm or hand.
• Modernity vs. Tradition: Urbanization, increased access to education, and the aspiration for modern jobs are challenging the traditional Ramnami way of life.
• Preservation of Faith: Despite changes in physical practices, the core beliefs of the community—equality, devotion, and a simple life—remain important, and their annual gatherings continue to attract many devotees. 

The Ramnami tribe stands as a living example of a community that used spiritual devotion and a unique form of body art as a powerful tool for social dignity and change in the face of historical caste-based oppression. 

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