The Godna or tattoo tradition was very prominent among the woman folk of the Indian indentured labourers and their descendants. Till today, women in their 80s still bear these tattoos on the flexor aspects of their forearms, one they got before marriage and the other after marriage. They all attest to the fact that if they did not have these, their in-laws or a holy man would not even accept water from them. These women tell of the Godna walas or Godaiyas (tattoo artists) who’d come with their instruments, and while singing, they would etch the tattoo on the forearm, chest, nose, and chin. Two of the most popular designs were ‘Ram ke bagaicha’ (the garden of Ram) and ‘Sita ke rasoi’ (Sita’s kitchen). The latter is illustrated below. This tradition no longer exists in the Caribbean and is only told in recollections or recounts by the women who are still alive that bear them.
