Mehndi
Henna paste drawn on the hands and feet, above all for brides and festivals.
Also: henna, mehendi
Mehndi is the art of decorating the skin with a paste of crushed henna leaves, which leaves a reddish-brown stain that fades over two or three weeks. In South Asia it is central to weddings, where a mehndi night is held for the bride, her friends and female relatives, with songs and sweets. Artists draw flowers, peacocks, vines and sometimes hide the groom's name in the design. Women also wear mehndi at Eid, Karva Chauth and Teej. It is believed to bring luck and, as the stain deepens, to show how much the bride is loved.
Region: South Asia