Young Hindu Women Decline Traditional Face Tattoos in Sindh, Pakistan

In the Hindu villages of southern Sindh province, Pakistan, a centuries-old tradition of tattooing young girls' faces, hands, and arms is fading as younger generations reject the practice. These indigenous tattoos, created by elder women using charcoal and goat milk, have historically served as cultural identifiers and symbols of protection, tracing back to the Indus civilization. However, many young women, influenced by social media and urbanization, perceive these marks as making them look different or unattractive, leading to a decline in the practice. Hindu activist Mukesh Meghwar highlights that younger generations often avoid tattoos to prevent being instantly identified as Hindu in a predominantly Muslim country where tattoos are generally frowned upon. Although elders continue the tradition with pride, they acknowledge that this may be the last generation to witness these ancestral tattoos regularly. The tattoos remain a cherished connection to heritage despite shifting social norms and discrimination against minorities in Pakistan.