Karwa Chauth mehndi designs 2024: Deck your hands with must-try patterns this year

Mehndi designs for Karwa Chauth: Popular patterns feature geometric shapes, floral elements, and traditional motifs, completely filling the palms (Image: Canva)

Mehndi, or henna, is an integral part of festival celebrations and hands that are not decorated in henna designs would be hugely incomplete for Karwa Chauth. Skilled mehndi artists of their craftsmanship swoop down to turn hands into canvases with special occasions. On Karwa Chauth, the popularity of this often-heard-of art form has increased manifold.

From roadside mehndi artists to high-end studios dedicated only to the promotional aspects of this tradition, all are working hard to make this grand festival of gaiety memorable.

Here are a few mehndi patterns that you might want to adorn:

• Minimalist: A semi-elegant hand displays delicate henna work running along the index finger, extending down towards the wrist. Dainty swirls, paisleys, and fine dot work are woven into the pattern, creating a beautiful, minimalist look. The simplicity of the gold ring on the ring finger complements the henna's elegance.

• Floral: This more elaborate henna design graces the back of the hand. Floral motifs intertwine with delicate lines, spiraling out in a balanced, symmetrical fashion. The design flows onto the fingers, with intricate details adorning each one.

• Traditional: Both palms covered in a heavy, elaborate henna design. The patterns feature geometric shapes, floral elements, and traditional motifs, completely filling the palms. The darkened fingertips add a distinctly traditional feel to the design.

• Lacy: This style features delicate, intricate lace-like patterns that create a sense of elegance and sophistication. For example, a henna design might have loose, flowing spirals intertwined with crisscross lines, resembling lace fabric. These patterns could cover the back of the hand or wrap around the wrist, adding depth to a classic mehndi look, but with a modern edge.

• Geometric: Geometric designs involve clean, symmetrical shapes such as squares, triangles, and diamonds. A mehndi pattern that has a symmetrical sequence of squares, triangles or hexagons, with large floral motifs running down the calf, creating a bold statement. This style balances simplicity and complexity, offering a strong, eye-catching design.

• Shading: Shaded henna designs are known for their depth and detail. For example, a peacock motif might be filled with subtle shading to highlight the feathers, while paisley patterns are enhanced with different tones to give them a three-dimensional effect. This style is perfect if you looking for a luxurious, detailed design.

• Initials: Personalised mehndi with initials is a popular choice for this festival. You might have your spouse’s initials worked into the design, using bold, intertwined letters tucked within a larger floral motif on your palm or wrist. This adds a romantic, meaningful touch to the traditional mehndi.

• Personal message: Adding a personal message or the name of your spouse within the henna design is a growing trend. For instance, a subtle “I love you” or the name of the spouse could be embedded within a floral or abstract pattern, hidden cleverly to be discovered later.