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Surguja News: Women of Baiga community in Surguja and Kawardha areas of Chhattisgarh still follow the traditional tattooing practice. Starting at the age of 10–12, this tattoo symbolizes their cultural identity and spiritual beliefs. It is believed that if a woman is not tattooed, she is not considered a member of the Baiga community. This practice also got special respect in the Presidential program.
Surguja. Many unique traditions of tribal communities can be seen in Ambikapur area of Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. One of these is the ancient tattooing (traditional tattoo) practice of the Baiga community. The women of this society are still following the traditions of their ancestors with the same reverence and faith as they did centuries ago. In the Baiga society, it is believed that it is mandatory for girls to get tattooed on their body from the age of about 12 years. It is not just a traditional art, but a symbol of their identity, culture and spiritual faith. It is believed that if women do not get tattooed, they are not considered members of the Baiga community. The thing to think about is that even in this era of modernity, the Baiga women of Kawardha and Surguja cherish this tradition with pride. This is not only the cultural heritage of the tribal society, but also the unique identity of the entire Chhattisgarh. After all, why do women get traditional tattoos done all over their body, this shows the depth of this unique tradition, see this report…
Dashami Bai said, “Tattooing is our identity.”
Dashmi Bai told Local 18 that tattooing is an essential tradition for the women of the Baiga community. This tradition has been going on for generations and is considered the identity of the society. He said, “Our grandfathers and great grandfathers used to say that it is necessary for women to have tattoos on their body. If there is no tattoo then we are not called Baiga.”
Starts at 10–12 years of age
Dashami Bai told that she got her tattoo done at the age of about 12 years. Tattooing starts from the forehead, then designs are made on hands and feet and gradually on the entire body.
He clarified that tattooing is only for women, men do not get it tattooed.
Tattooing is also a symbol of sister-sister relationship.
According to Dashami Bai, tattooing is not only a tradition, but it is also considered a symbol of sister-sister relationship. This is a very old and deep cultural practice of the Baiga community.
People from special backward tribes specially invited in the President’s program
Explaining the reason for the President’s visit to the program, he said, “People from special backward tribes had received a special invitation. The President met us and honored some women and presented them with a sal. We were very happy.” Dashami Bai told that she had brought some important documents with her, but due to lack of time could not hand them over.
Everyone had come from Kawardha. Etwariram gave information.
At the end of the conversation, Etwariram told that all the people who attended the program had come from Kawardha district and belong to the Baiga community.
