Mehandi Powder

Mehendi, a common shrub is known to have been in use in all parts of the world since time immemorial. The traditional way of painting hand and feet with mehendi is still popular especially among brides. Decorating the bride's hand and feet with the application of henna or mehendi is symbolic of the auspicious occasion. Besides decorating the hands and feet it is a popular dye to colour hair. It is also used as a home remedy for various minor ailments.

Application

Fresh leaves of the plant are ground into a fine powder. Powder and water are added to it to get the desire consistency of paste for application. This paste is kept for six hours before application for best results. In the past, mehendi was applied with the help of small sticks. But today, plastic cones are used instead of stick and the mehendi paste can be pressed out in the shape of a fine strand through its nozzle.After the formation of design, the mehendi is allowed to dry, for more intense and durable colouration it should be kept for five to six hours. During this time the drying paste is prevented from flaking off by periodic dabbling of a cotton soaked in a mixture of lemon juice and sugar.