Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Ramnami Man

Living mainly in Chhattisgarh State in Central India, followers of Ramnami sect tattoo the word "Ram" on their bodies and wear shawls with the word "Ram" printed on it. They tattooed themself as an act of defiance after being denied entry to a temple because of their caste. Currently there are only few elderly members alive who still practice full body tattoo. Current generation shun this practice as they fear that will impact in getting a suitable employment.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2022
Date Uploaded: 10.2022
Photo Location: India
Camera: NIKON D750
Copyright: © Abhijeet Kumar Banerjee