Beautification with Henna

People are nowadays going helter skelter to touch-up their hair and hands with “mehdi”–both to look at their best and keep with an old tradition of Bangladesh to celebrate different occasions, reports daily star.

Along with the ground “henna”, one puts coffee or tea, and sometimes curd and lime juice to make the “henna” paste richer in colour.

The henna has to be carefully applied to the palms and fingers. Some even decorate their arms and the back of their hands with henna. The designs are traditionally floral.

There is always a rush at beauty parlours to get hands and hair coloured with henna.

Among the wealthy Babylonians and Assyrians, henna reigned supreme in the courts. This was with incense and perfumes.

In the subcontinent, it is a part of every celebration, especially during the two Eids, and weddings.

The henna paste is made from leaves and water, and perhaps a bit of sugar, to deepen the colour. It is applied with a narrow bit of stick on the finger nails and palms. The floral and geometric designs are in the shapes of circle, lines and dots. Along with music and rich food, it is an integral part of celebrations in our country.

After the leaves are plucked, it is ground. The flower, tendrils and paisley patterns are then formed not just on the palm, wrist and hands – but also on the upper part of the feet. Some avoid this as a rule as it is not in keeping with our tradition.

Henna is sold as a paste in cellophane cones in super markets. It is even imported under some cases. Henna is a part of everyday toiletries. Women use it on their long hair to add lustre.