Guwahati (Assam) [India], Feb 26 : Keeping up with the traditional art of tattoo making, Guwahati brought out the best of tattoo art and the skills of their creators in the recently held Neon Tattoo Art Festival.
Being the biggest ever tattoo festival of northeast India, this event brought together many professional tattoo artists from across in globe under the same roof.
India's northeast region is home to numerous tribes and sub-tribes and this makes it a unique hub of diverse cultures, styles and traditions.
Each tribe has its own distinct way of expressing the internal values and the art of tattooing and body modification has always been an intrinsic part of their culture.
Keeping up with the tradition of tattoo art, Assam's Guwahati city hosted the biggest ever Neon tattoo festival, season 1. The word 'NEON' stands for North East of Nation.
The three-day-long festival was organised under the banner of Ripz Tattoo and Piercing, aesthetic Progressive Work and Vicky Communication and Associates, at the Northeast Zonal Cultural Centre, Shilpgram, Guwahati.
More than 100 national and international tattooists came together to participate in the festival and demonstrated the art of live tattooing.
According to Ripz, the festival organiser, "there is a myth among people regarding tattoos, like getting inked can be harmful as it might cause infections. Basically, there is lack of awareness among people but this festival acted as a platform for many tattoo artists and also helped in spreading the message among masses that tattoo making is not harmful provided it is done hygienically. Every booth in this festival has maintained hygiene."
The tattoo convention saw some of the best and exceptional tattoos that left the audience awestruck and attracted a large number of tattoo enthusiasts from every nook and corner of the country, who were seen getting inked.
Tattooists and organisers dispelled the fears about tattoo designs and encouraged people to choose their artist wisely.
Abhishek, a tattoo artist from Delhi, said: "This is my second time in Guwhati; this is an amazing festival."
Talking about the stigma surrounding tattoos, Abhishek explained: "There is a myth related to tattoo that if the needle is pierced into the skin, it may cause harm. I would say there is nothing as such, as tattoo artists use needle keeping in mind the hygiene and the skin type of the person. I request all to research and choose their artist wisely."
Along with live piercing and tattoo art, the convention had live music and a stunning art gallery. Additionally, the event also featured live art displays, market stalls, traders and much more.
The Neon tattoo art festival received an overwhelming response from the global crowd and was a successful attempt to change the perception of tattoo and other types of body art among the masses.