Have you gotten inked yet in spirit of #FestiveFeels?
The #FestiveFeels has brought cheer to the Capital. And one can see the effects in the meals on our tables, the beats of garba, in the decorations, and, yes, also body tattoos. This Navratri, many have approached tattoo parlours to showcase their love for the Goddess in their way.
Simmi Arora (46) says, “I am a devotee of Goddess Durga. After my mother’s demise, I got even closer to Durga Ma. I have firm faith in Sai Baba too. So I got something that is an embodiment of my love for these two as well as my own mother. Getting that tattoo was quite unplanned... it just happened.”
And, she found the idea of a tattoo with a spiritual aspect to be quite cool. “I found a spiritual tattoo much cooler than the rest. My grandmother also had ‘Jai Ram’ inscribed on her hand and I used to love that. The tattoo brings me closer to my mother as well, as the eyes match hers,” she adds.
Nehal Panchal, a 36-yearold, got a unique tattoo on her back which her brother sponsored. “I wanted a tattoo that gives me both a spiritual feeling and a sense of self-esteem. Goddess Shakti is the best one for me, it symbolises every facet of women — soft, caring, strength, and at the same time it represents anger and the ability to fight against all the odds. She accepts everyone and everything with love and care. So, I got her inked in a Shri Yantra on my back. I’m getting several compliments for it,” she says.
Interestingly, more women want the Goddess inked on their bodies, while men want something that is Ramayana-inspired. Tattoo artist Vikas Malani says, “While women are getting tattoos inspired directly or related to Goddess Durga, men either get bigger tattoos done that depict the story of the Ramayana or the victory of good over evil. The most relatable tattoos for women are those of Goddess Durga, the symbolic representation of the trident or Trishul, or the lotus flower that signifies purity and harmony, and even the tiger/lion tattoos that signify power and strength,” says Malani, who has tattooed many celebs such as Ayesha Shroff, (Tiger Shroff’s mother), Arpita Khan Sharma and cricketer Michael Clarke.
Nikita, a 19-year-old who is planning to get a tattoo done, says, “I surely want the Mother Divine on my wrist or on my back, but I’m not sure of the design. I’m taking suggestions and will get one soon. These inspire one to stay connected with the Supreme Power.”
While women are getting tattoos inspired directly or related to Goddess Durga, men either get bigger tattoos done that depict the story of the Ramayana. VIKAS MALANI
TATTOO ARTIST THIS NAVRATRI, MANY HAVE APPROACHED TATTOO PARLOURS TO SHOWCASE THEIR LOVE FOR THE GODDESS