Be it a Bollywood sensation who is tying knot with her beau or an ordinary bride from any part of the great India, Mehndi is a must in bridal make-up. Mehndi is an ancient art form which has manifested itself over centuries and has allowed the bride to accentuate her beauty outside her veil. It has now become an extension to the actual wedding ceremony allowing the bride to further enhance her beauty by using gems and glitter to suit her outfit. So here are some hot facts of cool Mehndi for young brides.
The Mehndi designs are always changing each year, this year the Indo Moghul has been the firm favourite; however there have been several requests for the full traditional Mehndi incorporating the wedding/shaadi figurative story. The story is told in both hands and feet and comprises of the grooms arrival to the wedding venue and the brides in her doli. Her arrival celebrated by her entourage of musicians with their instruments at play followed by her wedding party. The Colour is also a dominant feature whereby most brides now prefer to have the darkest possible colour, which are developed by unique blend of natural oils and henna to create that desired effect, says Khilna Shah of Mehndi Creations. Apart from the modern designs used as tattoos and body art, there are many distinguishable designs for Mehndi.
Today lot of designs are available like freestyle shapes, symbols, lines, etc, originally from ancient art from different countries. There are many design categories like Arabic Mehndi designs, traditional Indian designs, contemporary Indian designs, Indo-Mogul design and North African designs
Arabic Mehndi designs are large flowing patterns, incorporating mangoes, swirls and flowers. Usually animal motifs, bird motifs and human faces are not used due to the religious reasons. Traditional Indian Mehndi designs are intricate designs with fine lines, leaves, peacocks, mangoes, flowers, lace, auspicious and religious symbols. These designs usually cover the entire hands and feet. Contemporary Indian Mehndi designs resemble the traditional Indian designs but more spaced out with a contemporary touch to it. Indo Mogul is a combination of Indian and Mogul Arabic patterns with smaller shapes. North African Mehndi designs are large but intricate designs with peacocks, butterflies, flowers, fish and geometrical shapes.
