Mehndi is the art of applying henna paste on the body as a form of temporary body decoration. Traditionally it is used for special occasions, religious holidays, and particularly weddings as and is meant to "beautify" in the same way a fancy hair-do would.

Henna is a small shrub called Hawsonia inermis, and is found in Iran, India, Pakistan, Egypt, and North Africa. The young leaves and twigs are ground into fine powder, then mixed with water to form a paste. The paste is then used to dye hair or to create mehndi patterns on hands and feet.

Although it originated in India, it has spread to other areas. Traditional designs vary according to region, but in India they are typically made of very fine lines and often have paisley motifs. Other popular traditional motifs are leaf and flowers.

In muslim and hindu weddings the Mehndi party is held the night before the wedding. The evening is spent applying elaborate mehndi designs to the bride's hands and feet. Guest may also have some mehndi designs done on their hands. While applications are being done there may be music, dance and other entertainment for the guests.

Fazia held a small Mehndi party on May 4th at 11a.m. in her apartment. There was stuffed grape leaves, hummus and pita bread, samosas, turkish chocolate and turkish delight, and indian sweets: gulab jamuns, jooli, chum-chums, and jalebis. We made a limeaide punch, a milk/Roo-Afza/almonds and cinnamon drink, and hot tea. The mehndi artist Kim Eitze began on Fazia's hands while others watched the movie Monsoon Wedding.

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