Etymology. The origin of "mehndi" is from the Sanskrit word "mendhika," which refers to the henna plant that releases a red dye. According to A Dictionary of Urdu, Classical Hindi and English Mehndi also refers to "the marriage-feast on the occasion of the bride's hands and feet being stained with henna." Mehndi is a ceremonial art form common in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan. It is typically applied during weddings for Sikh, Muslim and Hindu brides. In Rajasthan, the grooms are given designs that are often as elaborate as those for brides.
