Mahendi is a must in the Traditional Wedding. but now it has been elevated to the status of body art and a fashion accessory for the fashion conscious youngsters. Even though Tattoos are crazy now-a-days, Mahendi has its own exclusive place all the time.
Actually the word mahendi (mehndi) is from the Sanskrit "Mehaghni" which is also a synonym for turmeric (haldi in Hindi, haridra in Sanskrit). the use of mehaghni (mehndi) and turmeric is described in the earliest Vedic ritual books. Turmeric as well as mehndi are important in Vedic customs as a symbolic representation of the Outer and the Inner Sun. Traditional mehndi designs draw the sun on the palm, which in this context represents the mind.
