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We live in a country that is rich in culture and tradition. With more than 20 languages and 6 religions in India, we are well known for our cultural diversity. If you’ve ever observed Indian festivals, they are celebrated with much pomp and show. The colorful decoration, mouth-watering sweets and namkeens, traditional attires, pujas, and an amalgamation of modern and traditional nuances make India’s festivities full of grandeur.
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Whether it is the festival of Holi, where people smear colors on one another, or the Diwali festival that is filled with lights, fireworks, and diyas, it is a whole different experience to be part of Indian culture. It is lavish, grand, and fun. During the monsoon season, there are several festivals celebrated in India. Right from Rakshabandhan to Onam, and Krishnashtami to Teej, the rainy season is packed with festivities that we cannot refrain from celebrating.
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Teej is celebrated at large in North and Central India by Hindu women. It is a popular fast observed by women who seek wellness for their husbands. It is a three-day festival that celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is a celebration of welcoming the monsoons, nature and its abundance, by singing and dancing. Women dress up in colorful clothing, apply mehendi (henna) on their hands and feet, and spend the evening sharing stories with their loved ones.
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According to legend, Goddess Parvati had to go through 108 cycles of rebirth until Lord Shiva married her. She is known as Teej Mata and women worldwide fast and pray for the protection of their husbands while also expressing their gratitude for blessing the earth with the abundance of rain.
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Applying mehendi is a big part of the celebration in certain parts of India. So, with Teej around the corner, let’s look at a few common and easy mehendi designs that will brighten the festival for you:
1. Floral
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The most common and loved mehendi design consists of flowers, leaves, and petals. It’s simple, elegant, and suits everyone. You could also add a bit of a modern touch to it by trying out the flowers and petals in the shape of a crown.
2. Peacock
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India’s national bird is the peacock, so it’s quite natural that it’s part of the design. Like the peacock, your mehendi looks majestic too.
3. Feet Design
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Why restrict your mehendi to your hands when you can extend the design to your feet? You could either design only your feet or continue it till your calves.
4. Mandala
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Mandalas have become quite popular among artists over the past few years. In some cultures, mandalas are a tool to practice spiritual guidance because they induce a trance and meditative state of mind. Wouldn’t it be cool to have your mehendi design put you in a state of trance?
5. Minimal
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If you’re not a fan of heavy designs, you could always stick to simplistic ones like this one.
6. Criss-cross
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You don’t always have to fill up your entire hand. You could opt for a criss-cross diagonal design and stand out from the crowd.
7. Half-hand
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On the other hand, if you’re a fan of heavy designs, you don’t have to stop with only your palms. Cover half your hand with the mehendi design of your choice.
8. Bridal
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Who says you can only opt for a bridal design if you’re a bride?
9. Back-hand
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The back of your hands are more exposed than your palms. So why not decorate what everyone can see?
10. Characters
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Another popular design is one with the characters dedicated to the festival. It’s Teej! Show your love for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati by drawing them out with henna.
It’s time for you to choose the one you liked the most and doll up for the festival. Which is your favorite design from our list? Comment below and let us know.
