Some siblings are getting DNA rakhi tattoos on their wrists to mark the unbreakable bond of Raksha Bandhan forever
This Raksha Bandhan, a few siblings across India are skipping the ceremonial thread and heading to tattoo studios instead — armed with DNA test results and a bold new idea. They’re getting matching tattoos based on their shared genetic sequences, swapping satin ribbons for strands of code, and transforming an ancient ritual into a futuristic expression of siblinghood. Call it sentimental science or biohacked bonding, but DNA rakhi tattoos are gaining traction, especially among Gen Z, who are always one step ahead of the culture curve.
Ritual Gets A Redesign
Traditionally, Raksha Bandhan has centred around a simple but powerful act: a sister ties a rakhi — a thread believed to ward off evil — around her brother’s wrist, and in return, he pledges lifelong protection. But in 2025, tradition alone isn’t enough. A generation raised on hyper-personalisation, identity politics, and sleek minimalism is asking, why not make it permanent — and make it personal?
The process starts with siblings taking a home DNA test or visiting a genetic lab. Once they receive the results, they identify a shared gene sequence — often one tied to taste, emotion regulation, or rare traits — and then translate it into a tattoo design. Some prefer crisp barcodes of base pairs, others opt for helix spirals or abstract chromosome art. The final ink isn’t just decorative — it’s encoded with meaning.
Code, Culture & Connection
“We thought of getting a quote or initials,” says Samar Deshmukh, “but nothing felt as us as this.” Their design is embedded with a tiny sequence they both share for a rare genetic quirk, “It’s weird, specific, and unites us more than anything else, but we still are thinking on it” he adds.
What’s striking about this trend isn’t just the cool factor — it’s how naturally it blends science and sentiment. While older generations might find the idea clinical, for Gen Z, the appeal lies in the authenticity of it all. This is a generation that values data-driven everything: from dating algorithms to gut microbiome tracking.
A DNA rakhi tattoo feels grounded in truth — a shared origin story written into the body, not just marked on it. It speaks to a connection that predates photos, memories, and social media captions. It's not just a nod to your sibling. It’s proof that you come from the same blueprint.
At its core, the trend signals a shift from symbolic protection to biological unity. There’s no thread to tie, no ritual to perform — just the quiet, radical idea that family is encoded in us. In an age where traditional gender roles are being questioned and rebalanced, this evolution of Raksha Bandhan also feels more equal. The old custom of sisters tying threads to ask for protection from brothers gives way to a more mutual, modern statement: we’re made of the same stuff, and that’s enough.
A Few Caveats
Not all DNA tattoos are created equal, and the idea comes with a few practical warnings. Dermatologists caution against choosing overly intricate patterns that may blur over time. Tattoo artists advise clients to vet DNA data from verified labs and avoid inking sensitive health-related gene sequences without fully understanding the implications. There’s also a growing concern about privacy and bioethics — after all, you’re using personal medical data to create permanent body art. “Genetic tattoos are cool, but ensure the ink, technique, and hygiene are top-grade,” warns Bertille Fernandes, a tattoo enthusiast.
Aesthetic Meets Ancestry
Unlike typical sibling tattoos — matching quotes, initials, or cartoon references — DNA tattoos carry a certain elegance and edge. They’re minimalist, timeless, and often unrecognisable to the untrained eye, making them discreet yet deeply personal. “Rakhi has always been symbolic, but just a thread doesn’t make it special anymore,” says Anisha Vora, a homemaker from Mumbai.
Some opt for stylised double helixes wrapping around the wrist. Others go for clean geometric lines derived from their SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms), or even binary code patterns spelling out gene sequences.
What makes DNA rakhi tattoos more than a visual trend is the process behind them. To arrive at a design, siblings must often learn how to read their raw data, understand genetic markers, and decide together what sequence best represents them.
Sometimes it's a serotonin receptor gene, chosen for its association with mood and emotional regulation. Other times it's something more playful—like a gene for cilantro aversion or the caffeine metabolism gene they both inherited from their mother. These tattoos spark not only sibling bonding but also self-discovery
