Mehndi, also spelt mehendi, is a form of temporary skin decoration created using a paste made from henna. Widely practised across South Asia, it resembles similar traditions of henna body art found in North Africa, East Africa and the Middle East. In the West, the practice is commonly referred to as a henna tattoo, although the markings are not permanent. The term "mehndi" is generally used in the Indian subcontinent, while "henna" is the more common term in the Middle East.
Mehndi is applied during a range of social and religious occasions in South Asia, including both Hindu and Muslim weddings. Hindu women traditionally apply mehndi during festivals such as Karva Chauth, Vat Purnima, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Navratri, Durga Puja and Teej. Muslim women apply it on occasions such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. At Hindu and Sikh festivals, women often have henna applied to their hands, feet and sometimes the backs of their shoulders, while men, when they take part, usually have it applied on the arms, legs, back and chest.
For women, designs are typically drawn on the palms, the backs of the hands and the feet, where the patterns appear clearest due to the natural contrast with lighter skin in these areas, which contains less melanin. The standard colour of mehndi is brown, though designs in white, red, black and gold are also used. While mehndi is most often applied to the hands and feet, some individuals, including cancer patients and women with alopecia, may choose to adorn their scalps.
Designs vary considerably from region to region. South Asian mehndi is characterised by small, intricate patterns and fine lines, while Middle Eastern designs typically feature floral motifs. African henna traditions tend to use simpler, geometric patterns. Across these regions, mehndi remains an important element of festive and ceremonial culture, particularly for brides, who are often decorated with elaborate designs as part of pre-wedding rituals.