Social awareness tattoos in vogue during Navratri

It is not just about traditional attires and ethnic jewellery this Navratri in Surat. Women are dancing to the tunes of garba with a difference by flaunting tattoos on their back with social messages.

Social awareness messages on AIDS, anti-tobacco and other such social messages are finding place on backs, arms and even cheeks of women this time. Many messages such as, Prevent AIDS, Prevent Liquor & Tobacco Consumption are common this time.

“Creating social awareness among people is duty of every citizen and for someone wanting to make a difference by creating awareness, Navratri is a good oppurtunity. Moreover, it looks trendy and is also informative," said Avni Patel, a garba enthusiast who flaunts a tattoo on her back.

Patel added that during Navratri every year, she gets a tattoo on her back, but it used to be some cultural design or some artistic work. This year, all members in her dance group painted tattoos with social messages.

Social organisations in the city too welcome the new trend and say that such activity will deliver the messages to hundreds of people, while enjoying festival.

“This is a good step and the youth are aware of problems prevailing in the society. State Government and social organizations cannot alone work on this, its people who have to come-up and educate others," Daxa Patel, chairman of Network of Surat People Living with HIV/AIDS (NSP+), said.

Tattoo painters and local beauty parlors in the city are having their share too. Beauty parlours are charging these youths anywhere between Rs1500-2000 for each body tattoo.