The art of applying henna in hands and feet is known as Mehndi
It is a
very old custom and ancient art form of the Asian subcontinent
.
Mehndi started in the Middle East and Northern Africa over 5,000 years ago
.
It has been used for artistic, ritual and ceremonial use.
Not only is it considered to bring luck, joy and beauty, its scent also said to have aphrodisiac properties
.
In most Indian communities, mehandi used to traditionally be applied by someone happily married from the bride's inner circle of friends and family.
Mehendi represents the bond of matrimony and is therefore
, considered a 'shagun'. It signifies the love and affection between the couple