Tatooing among the Tharus of Dang, Deokhuri, far western Nepal

Making drawings on human skin and inserting these inside the skin by punching it with a small bunch of needles and so making them permanent is called the art of tatooing, or tika chhedaune or goda garaune in some parts of Nepal. 'Tatoo' or 'tatu' was derived from a Tahitian word 'ta' which means 'to strike'. Men have decorated their bodies with this art from early time. Popular not only among primitive tribes, but it is also practised among some modern societies of the East and West also. Soldiers and sailors in particular have shown interest in this art and in modern Japan it is very popular and highly elaborate.

At different times and place and with greater or lesser interest, different styles and techniques of this art have evolved. This article is limited to the art prevalent among the Tharus of Dang, Deokhuri and Surkhet valleys of far western Nepal.