The Significance of Godna in the Lives of Women of the Baiga (PVTG) Community

For the Baiga tribe of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, *Godna* (tattooing) is not merely a form of adornment, but a symbol of their

distinct cultural identity, religious beliefs, and eternal beauty. This tradition is mandatory for women, who have tattoos etched onto various parts of their bodies—specifically using soot derived from *Ramtil* seeds—which is regarded as a "celestial adornment" that remains with them even after death.