Mehndi

Mehandi is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Maldives as well as by expatriate communities from those countries. This tradition also exist among some Arab Women particularly the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf nationals. The word mehndi is derived from the Sanskrit word mendhikā. The use of mehndi and turmeric is described in the earliest Hinduism's Vedic ritual books. Haldi (staining oneself with turmeric paste) as well as mehndi are Vedic customs, intended to be a symbolic representation of the outer and the inner sun. Vedic customs are centered around the idea of "awakening the inner light".