Mehndi (or mehendi or mehandi or mylanji) is the application of henna (Urdu: حنا) as a temporary form of skin decoration, most popular in the south Asia, middle east and north Africa as well as expatriate communities from these areas.

The application of Mehndi in our culture is a sign of a joyous occasion; it is almost always used on celebratory occasions, such as Eid, wedding, engagement and so on

It is typically employed for special occasions, particularly weddings. It is usually drawn on the hands and feet, where the designs will last the longest due to the fact that it only penetrates the dead cells of the stratum corneum.

There are three main traditions that can be recognized, aside from the modern use of henna as a trendy temporary tattoo.

Generally, Arabic (Middle-eastern) mehndi features large, floral patterns on hands and feet

Pakistani/Indian(Asian) mehndi  uses fine lines, lacy, floral and paisley patterns covering entire hands, forearms, feet and shins

African mehndi art is large, and bold with geometrically patterned angles. African mehndi patterns often use black henna (potentially very toxic) while Asian and Middle Eastern mehndi is often reddish brown (or orange)

Mehndi decorations became fashionable in the West in the late 1990s, where they are sometimes called "henna tattoos". This term isn't accurate, because tattoos are defined as permanent surgical insertion of pigments underneath the skin, as opposed to pigments resting on the surface.

The patterns of Mehndi are typically quite intricate, and predominantly applied to brides before wedding ceremonies. However, traditions in many parts of the world such as Bangladesh, India, and Sudan bridegrooms are to be painted as well.