8 Types of Mehndi Designs From Different Cultures in 2021
As Indians, we all know the significance of Mehndi. It is not only considered important and auspicious during wedding ceremonies, but also during many festivals such as Bhai Dhooj, Rakha Bandhan, Karwachauth and Diwali. But did you know that apart from the version that we mostly know about, Mehndi is applied in various other styles?
1. Indian Mehndi Design
The most popular and widely seen in India, Indian mehndi comprises of all things! From single trails on the back and front of the hands to full coverage of the hands on both sides, Indian mehndi style always has had something unique to offer for every age and every occasion. While bridal mehndi in Indian mehndi style makes the hands adorned with dholkis, palkis, bride-groom artwork, mandap, kalash and various other auspicious artwork depicting a marriage ceremony, the non-bridal has a lot to offer too. Non-bridal designs are more in demand for obvious reasons and comprise of a hoard of styling options from a single ‘bel’/trail to one sided design, light mehndi artwork and extremely heavy full hand mehndi. The Indian mehndi style encompasses all kinds of artwork like paisleys, florals, chequered, dots, hidden names and items of traditional significance.
2. Pakistani Mehndi Design
Bearing an understandable similarity to the Indian Mehndi, Pakistani Mehndi is more about the Pakistani traditions and values. While many other things like paisleys and floral artwork remain the same, Pakistani mehndi includes mandalas, domes, more of leaves and in many cases, doors of mosques. This style has bolder outlines and mostly comprises of intricate artwork.
3. Arabic Mehndi Design
Another popular style of mehndi art, it is known for its unique styling with bold lines and empty spaces. This style is believed to have originated from the Gulf countries. It is very different from the Indian mehndi and has a certain amount of royalty and elegance attached to it. Unlike heavy coverage of the Indian mehndi, Arabic mehndi is all about minimal yet bold artwork. The empty space in this style of mehndi is of utmost significance and makes the adjacent designs/patterns stand out. Arabic mehndi is now counted among the topmost popular mehndi styles all over the world.
4. Indo-Arabic Mehndi Design
This is a perfect amalgamation of the Indian and Arabic style of mehndi designing. Imagine the intricacy and beauty of Indian mehndi patterns separated by bold lines and empty spaces! It’s one of the most beautiful examples of fusion art. This style of mehndi designing comprises of all patterns used in the Indian mehndi like leaves, florals, paisleys, chequered and what not, but in the confines of beautifully crafted bold lines, separated from each other in such a way that it looks elegantly eye-catching!
5. Moroccan Mehndi Design
Considered popular among both the genders, Moroccan mehndi is known for its unisex designs and is applied by men who are interested in henna-tattoos as well. This sort of mehndi style comprises of geometric shapes and curves, traditional tribal patterns, diamonds shapes and prominent dots. It has its own charm and can easily be spotted as being unique and different than the regular mehndi designs.
6. Western/Contemporary Mehndi Design
Considered more as a ‘henna tattoo’ than mehndi, the wild west world has also adapted to this trend! This type of mehndi design has got little-to-nothing to do with any kind of tradition and mehndi is applied just for the ‘temporary-tattoo’ feel. In this style, the patterns mainly comprise of geometrical figures, swirls, quirky shapes and modern designs. Mostly, the huge gaps in between designs are given in such a way that the pattern look like hand worn ornaments.
7. Indo-Western Mehndi Design
Just like the Indo-Arabic style, Indo-Western has the best of both worlds! Indo-Western mehndi is a fusion of traditional Indian mehndi patterns and off-the-wall designs. The most prominent feature of this style of mehndi art is adding short messages to it apart from quirky designs.
8. African Mehndi Design
Yes, you read that right! It is a lesser known fact that mehndi/Henna has been a part of the West African culture for almost a thousand years. African mehndi predominantly comprises of tribal designs and patterns, although it bears a lot of similarity with Arabic mehndi in terms of gaps and bold outlines.