India is a melting pot of cultures. It is known for maintaining a sense of unity despite its diversity. This is reflected perfectly in the henna design patterns of India. Henna is considered an emblem of good fortune in almost all parts of India, but its patterns are unique to each culture. The wide variety of Indian mehendi design styles motivated us to create an article comprising the finest henna patterns across the nation.
What is Mehendi?
Mehendi, also known as henna, is a form of body art from ancient India. The powdered dry leaves of Lawsonia inermis, the henna plant, are used to make a paste. This paste is then used to draw decorative designs on a person’s body, usually on the arms and feet. Once the paste dries up, it is washed off, leaving an orange-red pigmentation behind. The color fades away naturally after about two months. Hence, henna is also referred to as a type of temporary tattoo.
Top 20 Indian Mehendi/Henna Designs to Try:
Explore our curated list of the top 20 henna designs that we believe everyone should consider trying. From intricate patterns to elegant motifs, these designs showcase the versatility and beauty of henna art. Scroll down to discover your next stunning henna inspiration!
1. Wedding Design
An Indian bride often stands out with her hands and feet full of intricate henna patterns. This bridal mehendi pattern is made with a Marwari style, commonly known as a “dulha-dulhan” henna design. It features caricatures of a bride and groom.
2. Music Mehendi
Music and mehendi are the soul of a grand Indian wedding. We often don’t hesitate to show our music fervor through mehendi designs. This picture features a pair of tablas, an Indian percussion instrument, in the lower part of the palm.
3. Chess-Inspired
The mindful game of chess originated in India hundreds of years ago. The game spread to Persia and the rest of the world from India. This pattern shows a beautiful fusion of Indian and Persian art. The black and white chess blocks represent India and are creatively woven inside the Persian paisley motif.
4. Vine Design
Similar to Arabic henna patterns, Indians also include vines in their mehendi designs. However, the Indian patterns are further complemented by various intricate fillers. Look at this detailed henna feet design, showcasing pretty vine-like motifs towards the top.
5. A Traditional Twist
The betel leaf motif is perhaps India’s most popular mehendi design pattern. This bridal henna photo contains a lovely twist to the standard betel leaf motif, offering a glimpse of a more traditional Indian mehendi design.
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6. Rajasthani Design
This gorgeous mehendi design is a beautiful example of a Rajasthani henna pattern. It also features peacock motifs and various geometrical shapes, often found in Rajasthani jewels.
7. Ornamental Vine
This photo features India’s famous mango motif with an Arabian flavor! Here, it is portrayed in an exquisite Mediterranean vine shape.
8. Complementary Design
This is a beautiful example of Marwari mehendi art, in which one hand’s henna pattern perfectly complements the other hand’s pattern to create a unified design. Here, we can see two detailed halves of a heart pictured together, symbolic of true love.
9. Traditional Indian Vines
Indian mehendi vine patterns are quite different from those of Arabian origin. In this picture, you can appreciate a foot adorned with traditional Indian plant creeper henna patterns that wrap around the ankles.
10. Belly Mehendi
Indian henna patterns are unique and can look pretty on almost every inch of your body. This lovely design around the belly button is more modern, perfect for lehenga or ghagra wearers.
11. Indian Fusion Design
India is home to a plethora of traditional designs. This creative henna pattern displays an adorable mix of Rajasthani and Gujarati patterns with modern henna styling.
12. Indian Bridal Design
Indian brides make a distinctive appearance with their hands and feet full of complex henna patterns. When henna is your heritage’s unique attraction, you might as well go full out with it! This detailed design defines a true Indian bride.
13. Simple Patterns
You might not want your hands immersed in exquisite mehendi patterns when you are not part of or attending a huge festival. In such cases, a simple design can keep you feeling elegant without seeming over-the-top. Here is a typical Indian flower and leaf pattern – simple and sweet for all occasions.
14. Sparkling Henna Design
In recent times, the dawn of sparkling henna patterns has surfaced. When glitter is mixed with a traditional Indian mehendi design, it creates a genuinely dazzling modern mehendi pattern, like the one below.
15. Rangoli-Inspired
How does sporting a Rangoli design on the back of your hand sound? It’s easy, creative, original, and looks trendy too!
16. Gujarati Peacock Design
This exquisite Gujarati mehendi pattern has unique peacock motifs featured in a complementary fashion. Stunning, right?
17. Elegant Details
This Indian mehendi design has a giant flower, blocks, and motifs – all woven together intricately.
18. Bangle Design
This bangle or kangan style mehendi design is a trendy Indian henna art pattern. This artist took the authentic pattern one step further by including glitter to give it a modern touch.
19. Celebrity-Inspired
In India, most of the female population takes fashion inspiration from Bollywood. They also opt for henna designs showcased by actresses in famous movies. This one is a good example.
20. Religion-Themed
Religion holds an essential place in this nation. It is often portrayed through various Indian art forms. In many mehendi designs, religious symbols like the Om and Ganesha, in this example, are displayed on the arms and hands but avoided on the feet.
Also Read – Top 20 Mehndi Designs for Leg
So, try one (or more) of these henna designs the next time you have a mehendi party!
