Indian mehndi designs are typically worn for weddings, but can also be worn at special events and other religious ceremonies. Traditionally, Indian mehndi designs were worn only by women but over time that has changed and now men indulge in this festive style of temporary tattooing. Mehndi is commonly created using a paste made from henna, but can also be made using turmeric. The art of Indian mehndi designs is growing in popularity amongst the western cultures of today, especially amongst the younger people.

Here are a few Indian Mehndi designs for you to admire:

Marwari Mehndi Designs

Marwari mehndi designs are typically thin, intricate patterns that leaves no gaps and resembles fine lace gloves on the hands or fine lace socks on the feet. In the south, it is common for the tips of the fingers and toes to be done with a solid block of colour, as in the photo above. This picture also demonstrates the traditional sun design on the palm of the hand which represents the inner light of the wearer.

Indian mehndi designs are very intricate with lots of patterns and mixing of styles. This photograph demonstrates another fine lace-like decoration of Marwari mehndi designs that resembles a pair of gloves being worn. It also shows how the design is continued from one hand onto the next.

Here we have an example of the lace socks marwari mehndi designs. Notice the tiny, thin stencilling that has been done which is typical of the Marwari mehndi designs. It can take hours of work to create these beautiful complex patterns. Mehndi can last anywhere from one to three weeks. To help the design last as long as possible, moisturize using natural oils, such as olive or coconut oil.

Rajasthani Mehndi Designs

Rajasthani mehndi designs can refer to the deep dark red colour of the henna as that dry region has the best plants to produce the deepest colour. This is important for wedding henna, as it is thought that the deeper the red colour of the mehndi, the deeper the love the bride and groom have for each other. This makes the henna from Rajasthani very popular.

Rajasthani mehndi designs are very complicated, involved designs that reach from the fingertips all the way up to the elbows and from the toes up to the knees. Many hours are needed to create these intricate, detailed patterns to cover these extensive areas. Take a close look at the photograph above to see all the work that has gone into this Rajasthani mehndi design.

In the picture above, we have an example of the Rajasthani mehndi designs on the legs which cover the feet and continue up to the knees. Great patience is needed by both the mehndi artist and the person it is being applied to, when having this procedure  done as it will take hours to create these fantastic works of art.

Indian Bridal Mehndi Designs

This stunning artwork shows the traditional south asian style with the fingertips being done with solid blocks of colour. Paisleys and flowers are also regular patterns included in Indian bridal mehndi designs. In some areas, the grooms initials are hidden within the mehndi and he must find them within the design. The bride typically does not do any housework while the mehndi is still visible and care is taken to help the mehndi last as long as possible by gently and carefully washing the areas that are covered with the design. Moisturizer can also be used to help extend the life of the mehndi.

It is also important for the feet to be decorated during the wedding ceremonies. Bombay mehndi style often has large motifs with peacocks or flowers included in the design. Peacocks are a very popular choice to be included in Indian mehndi designs. Mehndi patterns can symbolize different things depending the region in India. Indian mehndi design can represent good health, wisdom, spirituality and even fertility.

Popular Indian Mehndi Designs for Hands

Indian mehndi designs for hands can be done in a variety of styles with many different symbols included. It is common for brides to have bands wrapped around the wrist included in the design to represent the unity of her and her groom. Fans and waves are also popular patterns that hope to bring good luck. Symbols that represent dicing games can be included to bring wedded bliss or prosperity to the wearer. Mehndi applied to the palm of the hand represents being allowed to give and receive blessings. Whereas, mehndi designs on the top of the hand symbolize protection.

The henna starts to dry about 15 to 20 minutes after it has been applied, so moisturizing is carefully done at this point to help keep the henna damp so the colour can saturate into the skin further. Sometimes, once the Indian mehndi design is completed it is then delicately wrapped in tissue, which is kept on for hours or even overnight with the hope the henna will remain damp longer and create the deepest staining of the skin that is possible.

Peacock Mehndi Designs

It is common to find peacocks included in many Indian mehndi designs, although it is typically a Bombay style. Peacocks represent beauty and happiness are an important part of a woman’s mehndi design. The peacock designs are most noticeable by the curved neck and head pattern, which is usually depicted with plenty of space around it, so the it does not blend in with the other patterns.

Peacocks are often the focal point of Indian mehndi designs, as pictured here above on the palm of the hands. These can be surrounded by feathers, flowers and paisleys or any pattern or symbol the wearer and artist wish for. Many hours of work goes into creating an Indian mehndi design before it is applied to the skin. This is especially true if it is for a wedding because it is being specifically created for the person who will wear it and what they want and need to be included in that design.

Exotic Indian Mehndi Designs with Swans and Mango Motifs

While Indian mehndi designs have been in regular use for hundreds of years in south Asia, they are beginning to grow in popularity in the west and in western culture. You can find many mehndi designs being created by western artists using western symbolism, such as celtic patterns. Traditional Indian mehndi designs are also being created for and by westerners who love this temporary tattooing. In the west, mehndi is being done anytime, not just for special occasions, as it seen as an exotic and artistic expression.

Swans are another choice of design for mehndi as they represent beauty and success. Many of the symbols used in traditional Indian mehndi designs are also popular symbols in the western world and are being used in the mehndi created there, too.

Shoulder and Back Indian Mehndi Designs

More and more college women in India are wearing shoulder and back mehndi designs, as they are very popular currently. If the clothes you will be wearing to a special event, such as a wedding, leave your shoulders or a section of your back bare, then you may wish to have this decorated with a beautiful mehndi design. Having mehndi applied to your shoulders and/or your back is very popular in the west, too, especially in the warmer weather months, when less clothes are worn and these patterns can be shown off more easily.

Your back and shoulders give the mehndi artist more space and a flatter surface to work on, so there are fewer limits as to the designs that can be created. Larger patterns and designs can be made in these areas as well. Indian mehndi designs applied to these parts of the body can also look gorgeous and even sexy.

Try this if you want a floral bridal mehendi design with a modern twist.

Mehendi designs for weddings are elaborate patterns that play an important part in adorning the bride’s hands and complimenting her bridal look. The importance of mehendi in an Indian wedding is well exhibited by the pre-wedding mehendi ceremony. The family and friends also adorn their hands with mehendi. However, the mehendi design for brides should be special and unique. You have to invest a good amount of time and effort to get fine detailed and stunning bridal mehendi designs on your hands and feet. Make sure that you find an experienced and skilled mehendi artist to do the job.