Yosana had never been out of her village before. But immediately after her marriage, she moved to London, as favoured by the circumstances. One day Alok; her husband got her a beautiful one piece red dress to wear for an office party the next day.
She put on that pretty red dress matched with a pair of black heels. When she walked down the party hall, all eyes were glued to her. She was the cynosure of the gathering. No doubt, she was looking stunning, but here the looks were deceiving and conveyed something else.
She excused herself and rushed towards the rest room. Raised her eyes to check her mirror image. Yes, there she was, with a big round ‘bindi’ on her forehead. Realisation dawned on her. The bindi doesn’t go at all with her attire, that’s why she was the centre of attraction. But she can’t help it. This is her identity and she has to live whole life along with it!
Note: There’s a village where girls are tattooed with a black mark(form of bindi) on their foreheads, as a symbol of their being girls. Not only this, a black mark is carved on one of the fingers of the right hand, as it adds flavour to the food prepared by them. After all, their basic duty is to cook food and serve their counterparts! Isn’t it pathetic to mark a girl with a stamp to remind her time and again, her position and the so-called her womanly duties in the society?
Have seen women of different tribes having tattoos on their faces and hands.. but just thought it would have been some kind of a tradition.. this is a totally different perspective to it… Thanks for sharing
Yes dear, we are unaware of many such facts until we come face-to-face. Hope this discrimination ends soon.
Its really an eyeopener! We still need to evolve. Great post.
Thanks for stopping bu Surabhi. Yes, we need to go a long way.
I didn’t know things like these were done. Funny world. Some consider tattoo to be a taboo while others use them as labels.
Yes Ranjini, it’s a pity that things like these happen. We all need to raise our awareness.
I didn’t know that such customs existed. Sad but I loved your take on this custom.
I know Ramya, it hurts. But such pathetic customs do exist till this date. Hope to get rid of this soon.
Thanks for the read!
Never knew the story behind the tattoos. I had thought either it was a tribal ritual or their love for the dear. An interesting write up.
Initially I also thought the same Deepa, until I came to know the story of this girl.
Thanks for stopping by.
A lot of such traditions look innocent on the outside but are really a symbol of bondage. Sad.
Agree Leha, it appears to be just an innocent age old tradition but the reality is different.
First time come to know, thanks
Thank you Bikramjit for stopping by.
I knew this tradition of tattooing but it’s pathetic to know the reasons behind it. Could have never guessed if not for this blog post. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Medha for the read! The more we spread the knowledge of such things, the more it will create an awareness in the society.
Omg really? In this day n age such customs exist? How appalling!! Well weaved into a story…
Yes, it’s shameful but do exist. Just wanted to bring it on the table.
Thanks for the read!
Tattoos are fine, branding is not. Cattle get branded, not women. The human race is yet to fully evolve. Nice story indeed
Yes Varad, the human race has to undergo a long process of evolution yet. Thanks for the read.
I never knew of such a custom of black mark reflecting feminism. A good read #Myfriendalexa #mommyinmereads
There are many social taboos which we are not aware of Jhilmil. The social system needs a lot of reformation.
Thanks for the read.
In tribal areas, I know tattoos are common but I never knew such area where Bindi or do on a hand is stamped just to define their identity and duties. Seriously? How sad.
#MothersGurukulreads
#MyFriendAlexa
Yes Alpana, it’s heart-wrenching to know such facts!
It’s so disheartening to know that such things exist even now…Wish such myths and customs end up soon…
Thanks for stopping by Anubhuti, Hope such social norms come to an end soon.
A very short yet powerful story indeed. I am glad I came up to this to read the post.
#MyFriendAlexa
Thanks for stopping by. Need to bring such .stories to the limelight.
Shameful that women are branded like cows.
Agree Nupur, it’s quite dishonorable. But, again the responsibility is in our hands. Let’s join hands to eradicate such evils from our society.
The men will be branded soon….mark my words!
It’s not the fight against men. It’s the fight for equality, to put an end to the injustice made to the women still in this era. We together, men and women, have to understand this and pay due respect to each other, without harming anyone’s identity.
This is new to me. Never knew about this.
I know it’s hard to beleive, but such creepy things exist.
Nice post. Although society is changing gradually, we still have a long way to go.
Hmmm Huma..it’s a long way indeed, but it needs all our collaboration to bring a change.
It is unbelievably disgusting how women in our country are treated as mere commodities…
Your story was an eye opener!
It’s a true story Priyanka and we all live in the same society. I think it’s high time to shake ourselves and bring the much needed change. Isn’t it?
Thanks for the read.
Yes, I have seen people with tattooed symbols on their forehead and limbs. Was unaware of getting a tattoo on the finger to enhance the taste of food though. A good story.
Thanks Mayuri for the read. It’s strange and painful, yet it exists. Even I was unaware until had a discussion with a lady from the tribe.
Very nicely presented, by such symbols, girls are made to understand that they have limited freedom. this should all vanish for the good.
Thanks for the read. Yes, we need to get rid of all this soon.
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It’s great to know that you liked it. Thanks a lot for your kind words ☺️
I have seen tattoos on women, from tribes in Orissa and in Rajasthan as well. However, I was not aware of the meaning behind it. Yes, a tattoo as mark of ownership and sign of the work she has to do is horrible.
But then, are the mangal sutra, sindoor, toe ring etc. any different? For that matter of fact, what about changing the surname after marriage. It is high time women protest these patriarchal customs.
Yearning for a Boat Ride on Chilika Lake – Panthanivas, Satpada
Thanks for sharing your views Seema. At least, one can unload oneself from all those jewellery (that symbolises you as a married woman) as per one’s wish, but when I came to know about this tattooing thing and mainly the motive behind that, it was heart-wrenching. But yes, of course, it’s high time to raise our voice.
Yes, Rashmi one can never remove a tattoo. That way its worse than the jewelry.
Changing your surname is much the same like a tattoo. Once it changes, a part of your identity is being obliterated. And why is that necessary.
Totally agree with you. We need to part away with many such customs.
A small dot cannot change who you really are. But these people are made to believe otherwise right from their birth. Its about time someone change that.
Yes, a dot cannot change a person who you are. But, it’s definitely needed to change the mindset of that bigger community and it can be done collaboratively.
Agreed.
O really where does this happen??
In one of the villages located in the interiors of Karnataka
Didn’t know this Rashmi. Great post.
Thanks Ashwini. I know, it’s poignant but there are many more such stories that we are unaware of.
I have seen many tribal and village women with tattoos on their face, hands and feet. However, I had never thought of this from their point of view – that these tattoos are like branding. Glad you wrote about it and threw light on the subject, Rashmi.
Thank you Anshu.
I had an one-to-one conversation with a woman of this tribe and came to know about her feelings. So, couldn’t resist putting it forth.
And a good job you did too! 🙂
Thank you!
I never knew of such a custom. How unfortunate that people are so heartless
Yes, it’s there dear. I came to know recently about this and thought to shed some light on this issue.