Significance of Mehndi Designs in India

Mehndi actually prepared from the leaves of plant called henna which is known also as cypress flower. Word ‘Henna’ comes from the Arabic name for Lawsonia Inermis pronounced as Hinna. Mehndi is said to be been used since the ancient times nearly 5000 years ago. Some point out that mehndi was brought by the Mughals, however some say that mehndi originated in India.


The styles of mehndi designs differ as per the region they are used. Mehndi is used in a variety of occasions, most important in marriage. No wedding is known to be complete without a stunning Mehndi design. Most popular mehndi types are Indian, Pakistani, Arabic and African.


An Arabic mehndi design is generally known for fewer details, the color however is very dark. Most of the designs include vines as well as leaves, beautiful flowers, etc.


Pakistani mehndi design is known to be is the most detailed; the application of this kind of Mehndi takes a lot of time.

Indian mehndi designs are known because of the big dot or figure on the palm center. The finger tips are generally colored completely.


African mehndi designs are quite rarely chosen for the Mehndi application, this kind of mehndi can be distinguished due to the presence of geometric figures as well as dots.


Henna paste is generally applied on the skin utilizing the plastic cone or paint brush; many times small metal-tipped jacquard bottle which is otherwise used for silk painting can also be used. The area in which mehndi is applied is wrapped using a plastic, tissue etc.; this practice creates a more intense colour. After three to six hours it is removed; the henna design can be pale or dark orange in colour. The colour generally darkens further through oxidation after 24 to 72 hours. Final colour can be reddish brown.


Mehndi ceremony occasions most of the times involve important pre-wedding rituals. Mehndi ceremonies generally take place in the bride’s house. It is believed that darker the colour of the mehndi designs in the palm of the bride, the more successful will the marriage be.


Mehndi is also used during religious festivals such as Diwali; most of the beauty salons in India offer henna applications. There are special girls skilled in applying Henna who specialize in applying designs and they would do a home visit in order to apply the mehndi design.


Embellishing the skin using henna or mehndi is gaining wide popularity also out in the West since the 1990s. Mehndi designs are becoming more and more popular as people realize the beauty of the graceful patterns.