While maintaining the tribal tradition of ‘Godna’ (tattoo), Bastar's tribals were taught modern skills of tattooing at a fortnight-long workshop held at the Bastar Academy of Dance Art and Language (BADAL) at Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh.
The workshop helped enhance the creativity and aesthetics in the tribal tradition, blending it with the modern technique of tattooing.
The participants were also apprised and introduced to new fashion trends. To encourage the tribal youths, District Collector Rajan Bansal also joined the programme and got his hand tattooed.
Godna tattoo designs serve as identification marks that distinguish one individual from another, one ethnic group from another, and one region from another.
Tribals also believe that it helps identifying the ancestors in heaven after death.
Tattooing is a long-standing custom in Chhattisgarh and among tribal communities in particular. It is known as ‘Godna’.
Godna is a tribal adornment that represents the species' identity and rich heritage of antiquity. It is a practice based on religious beliefs, a desire for compassion and human ambitions.
Godna tattoo was traditionally done by excavating the skin with the tip of needle and then releasing vegetable juice combined with oil and soot.
