Mehndi or "Mehendi" is a form of body art from Ancient India, in which decorative designs are created on a person's body, using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis). Ancient in origin, mehndi is still a popular form of body art among the women of the Indian Subcontinent,
Mehndi is derived from the Sanskrit word mendhikā. The use of mehndi and turmeric is described in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual books. It was originally used for only women's palms and sometimes for men.
Mehndi in Indian tradition is typically applied during special Hindu weddings and Hindu festivals
I took this shot during my paintings exhibition in Jaipur last year. A stall had been errected for people to get the Mehndi Art done by expert ladies from North India. This hand belonged to one of the lady artists.
Camera:Canon Sx130IS, hand held, image slightly adjusted for light and darkness and resized ro FAR requirements.
Enjoy!