In Tharu community the tattoo is known as ‘godhani’ but usually old women, are called Tikaniya. Getting a tattoo is quite common in both men and women in tharu community. Ladies embellish their hands, limbs, legs and chest with symbolic designs of nature mythological stories and historical events. Other markings were simply meant to look aesthetically pleasing, like jewelry. In this community a newborn child is tattooed either on his leg, hand or chest with designs mostly of birds. These tattoos are done following Hindu rituals. They belief that getting tattoos designed on their bodies will find a place in heaven. Getting inked before marriage is also a part of their beautifying process. Tattooing was compulsory for married Tharu women and they used to get tattooed on their legs prior to marrying Mustard oil and cow dung are the traditional ointments used as ink and thorn from Neem trees to imprint a tattoo in Tharu culture.
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