People get a tattoo for different reasons — the reasons are as unique as the individuals who get tattooed. The pain associated with getting inked is there, but these works of art also carry significant meaning. Some personalities from different walks of life share with The Himalayan Times about their Meaning of your tattoo(s) I have many tattoos — my left arm has tattoos of cross sign, and letters ‘burn your pain’ written. Mother Earth is inked on my right arm while praying hands and a flying dove rest on my chest. Be it plants or animals, creativity is not possible without females. So, among other works, I felt like inking the image of Mother Earth tattoo as a tribute to mothers. Tattoo is considered as an ornament by people and I feel the same. It is similar to walking in a beautiful attire and is for lifetime. An art form, tattoo is also related to culture and tradition. ‘Painful’ experience I was interested in tattooing since my school days. My friends and I used to make our own tattoos — out of cell phones’ batteries, ball pen’s nib and needle. The ‘pain’ tattoo is one of them. It was an exciting and adventurous experience. It was painful yet I used to hide the pain. I hid the tattoo for a week as we were not allowed to ink tattoos during our school days. Future plans I have plans to make tattoos in other places too. I want to make tattoos everywhere except on head. Best works I have found tattoo artist John Maharjan’s works the best. His works are interesting. His dotted tattoos are praiseworthy.

• Rohit John Chettri, Musician

Meaning of your tattoo(s) Tattoo for me is a very personal statement which reflects who I am, my culture and my family. I have two tattoos. My first tattoo is in Ranjana script, regarded as one of the best calligraphic scripts in the world and is registered as official script of Nepal at the UNO. This tattoo — that has names of my two children — symbolises hope, eternal happiness and unconditional love. My second tattoo is in English font and is a modified version of an ambigram. From one side it is my wife’s name and from the other side is my name. ‘Painful’ experience It was exciting. With the sight of the needles and equipment at first, I was a little apprehensive. But as the process started, I was more relaxed and enjoyed the experience. The pain was not that bad. It is an experience and you need to enjoy the pain that comes with getting inked as they say, ‘No Pain, No Gain.’ Future plans I just got my second tattoo a few days ago. I am not planning for a third one but as the saying goes — never say never. Best works I have never been inspired by anyone’s tattoos. I wanted something very unique and personal, which my tattoos are. And getting a tattoo was always on my bucket list. I couldn’t get one until the blockade in September 2015 — I was out of work and had a lot of free time then, when I took that opportunity to get inked.

• Saurabh Jyoti, Businessman/ Entrepreneur

Meaning of your tattoo(s) Two years ago, I got a tattoo of Lord Ganesh. Looking at people around me who have tattoos, I too got interested in having a tattoo. I did not get my family’s permission in the beginning. But I was able to convince my mum that I wanted to get a tattoo of Lord Ganesh for spiritual reasons, and she agreed. Tattoo is a fashion statement for me. But in case of my tattoo, I inked it because I am a devotee of Lord Ganesh. It reminds me that He is always with me, protecting me from negative energy. ‘Painful’ experience I was told that it hurts while getting inked. So, I was little nervous initially. Later while getting inked, I did not feel much pain — it felt like ant’s bite! I kept on holding my chair tightly until the needle stopped pushing ink into my skin. Future plans I am thinking about inking my mum’s name but I don’t know yet. Best works A friend of mine has inked full back tattoo — he has inked a colourful Lord Vhairab. It took him one week to get it completed, and he even got fever for 10 days due to the pain. I simply love his devotion to have that tattoo and courage to suffer for it.

• Bhintuna Joshi, Actress

Meaning of your tattoo(s) Recently, I tattooed the name of Goddess Tripura in Ranjana script. She is a powerful goddess worshipped at my hometown in Tauthali of Sindhupalchok district. Once, I got injured during a game and my wrist had to be operated. I couldn’t play for a few months due to it. Then, I felt like inking the image of Goddess Tripura on that wrist so that she would protect me from getting another injury. Tattoo is memory for me and it’s very personal. ‘Painful’ experience I did not feel any pain at all. I was calm and I felt positive vibes around me while getting inked. Future plans I have not thought about getting one currently but in future, I may have another tattoo. Best works I like the tattoos of footballer David Beckham and the way he carries them. But I was not inspired by him to get my tattoo.

• Bishal Shrestha, Footballer