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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 huge 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 and leaves 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:
Here is a compilation of the top 20 henna designs we think everyone should try. Check them out below.
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 – these two are the soul of a grand Indian wedding. In fact, we often don’t hesitate to show our music fervor through mehendi designs, too. 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. From India, the game spread to Persia, and to the rest of the world from there. In this pattern, we see a beautiful fusion of Indian and Persian art. The black and white chess blocks represent India, and they 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. Take a 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 the most popular mehendi design pattern in India. This bridal henna photo contains a lovely twist to the standard betel leaf motif, offering a glimpse of more traditional Indian mehendi designing.
Also Read – 10 Best Sindoor Brands Available in India for Married Women
6. Rajasthani Design
This gorgeous mehendi design is a wonderful example of a Rajasthani henna pattern. It features peacock motifs and various geometrical shapes, which are often found in Rajasthani jewels too.
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 henna pattern to create a single, 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 it has the ability to look pretty on just about every inch of your body. This lovely design crafted around the belly button is a more modern design, 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 a touch of 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 really defines a true Indian bride.
13. Simple Patterns
When you are not part of or attending a huge festival, you might not want your hands immersed in exquisite mehendi patterns. 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 truly dazzling modern mehendi pattern, like the one below.
15. Rangoli-Inspired
How does the idea of 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 big flower, blocks, and motifs – all of which, are woven together intricately.
18. Bangle Design
This bangle or kangan style mehendi design is a very popular Indian henna art pattern. This particular artist took the authentic pattern one step further by including glitter to give it a modern touch.
19. Celebrity-Inspired
In India, the majority of the female population takes fashion inspiration from Bollywood. They also tend to opt for henna designs showcased by actresses in famous movies. This one is a good example.
20. Religion-Themed
Religion holds an important place in this nation. In fact, 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, do try one (or more) of these henna designs out the next time you have a mehendi party!
