Varanasi, August 6, 2013: Godana or the desi version of tattoo are in vogue in Shrawan. Getting inked during this holy month especially near a shrine of lord Shiva adds to the religious touch. There is no dearth of youth, including Kanwariyas, who get themselves inked with myriad designs.

Deepak and his five friends have come for adarshan at the Sarangnath temple at Sarnathfrom Jaunpur and all of them have decided to get 'Om' inscribed on their hands along with the initials of their respective names by the tattoo-makers near the temple. "When we found that tattoos are made so quick and cheap here, we decided at once that we will go for it. 'Om' represents Lord Shiva and initials of our names will make it a little trendy," chuckled Deepak. The design cost them Rs 50 per head. The maximum that is being charged for various designs is Rs200, depending on how much area is being covered or letters that needed to be carved on the body.

Tattoo-maker Nanhelal gets busy in handling his customers who gets queued up near his seats. "Inking 'Godana' has been a family occupation for years. For most part of the year, we go from village to village looking for those interested in getting tattooed. Earlier, it was a tradition for the women in villages to have the name of their fathers and husbands, depending on the marital status, inscribed on their body mostly on hands. The practice is gradually becoming obsolete. Shravan provides us opportunity to earn some fast money," he said.

Even married couples are getting tattoos inscribed. Rakesh and Suman from a village near Allahabad got 'Shiv' inscribed near their wrists as a mark of their devotion to the Lord. The kids demand a motif that is short and sweet. "I wanted a flower with my name but I have been told it will hurt more so I will have an 'S' tattooed," said Sonu (14) from Sarnath. Tattoo-makers can be seen at few places in the city, including ghats and temples.

They do the job in make-shift stalls comprising a mat on the ground and a machine with few needles and some disinfectants like spirit. On the flip side, these traditional tattoo makers and also their clients are almost ignorant about the safety measures to avoid infection or transfer of communicable diseases. Multiple customers are being tended with a single needle. "I change the needle and wash it after five or six godanas," said Sanjay, a tattoo-maker. The customers do not care less about the safety issues. "Bhagwan ka naam godawane me kya beemari hogi bhala (How would it harm to get the name of the Lord inscribed?" asked Suman.

Meanwhile, the second Monday of the auspicious Sharawan month passed off peacefully. Devotees and Kanwariyas from far off places thronged the city in large numbers to offer prayer and jalabhishek to Lord Shiva at Kashi Vishwanath temple and other Shiva temples in the city and adjoining areas on Monday.

Elaborate security arrangements were made to avert any untoward incident. Besides Kashi Vishwanath temple the rush of devotees were also seen at other prominent temples including Markandeya Mahadeo at Kaithi, Sarangdeo, Mrityunjaya Mahadeo, Kedareshwar and Mrityunjaya Mahadeo.

To regulate the crowds the vehicular movements were diverted in many localities. Besides, many social and voluntary organisations also came forward to facilitate the Kanwariyas and pilgrims.

Source: The Times of India, August 6, 2013