An Australian tourist traveling with his girlfriend was surrounded by group of locals over a tattoo on his leg below the knee.The tattoo was of Goddess Yellemma, revered in south India, even though he had got this tattoo in Australia, the locals created a scene, mobbed the couple and almost petrified the tourists. The Australian and his girlfriend were asked to give a written apology and explained Hindu values.
This is the picture of the actual tattoo that was done on the Australian.
Even though we are a diverse nation with many cultural sensibilities, one will find himself trapped in such cases and will be terrified by the locals who will speak the unknown dialect. Such situations call for having a local person with deep knowledge of security and complete confidence to handle such situations. Therefore, hiring a bodyguard becomes an even more important requirement for International Travellers. Indians from the villages are mostly uneducated and deeply religious. Such a mix causes them to believe in most unbelievable facts and myths that will not even be considered for scientific evaluation.
Picture of Yellemma Goddess.
It shouldn't be such a big issue if the media had not made such noise about it. The Australian must be feeling victimised by the situation as the media must be trying to hound him for an interview.
India is a wonderful country and has very humble people, at least the majority. India expects nothing from any foreigner. Please do not generalise based on such incidents. Come to India and travel without fear anywhere and everywhere.
