The Arts - South India and Kerala - page 996

MEHNDI
Mehndi is the traditional art of painting a woman's hands (and sometimes feet) with intricate henna designs for
auspicious ceremonies, such as marriage. If quality henna is used, the design, which is orange-brown, can last up
to one month.
In touristy areas, mehndi -wallahs are adept at applying henna tattoo 'bands' on the arms, legs and lower back.
If you get mehndi applied, allow at least a few hours for the design process and required drying time (during dry-
ing you can't use your hennaed hands).
It's always wise to request the artist do a 'test' spot on your arm before proceeding: nowadays some dyes con-
tain chemicals that can cause allergies. (Avoid 'black henna', which is mixed with some chemicals that may be
harmful.) If good-quality henna is used, you shouldn't feel any pain during or after the application.