Check out some trending mehndi designs you can try this year.

Hariyali Tej is an auspicious festival in Hinduism, celebrated by all married women with great joy. It falls on the tritiya tithi of Shukla Paksha during the month of Shravana, usually two days before Nag Panchami. This year it will be celebrated on August 7.

First published on 6 August 2024, 6:50 PM IST | Last updated on 6 August 2024, 6:56 PM IST

Celebrated this year on August 7 in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in northern India, Hariyali Tej is a time for vibrant costumes as well as rituals and traditions of the past. Hariyali Tej is celebrated on the third day of Shravan during Shukla Paksha. It is a sacred occasion for married women as they seek blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to protect their married life from all evils.

Women fast all day for the longevity of their spouses and family. Unmarried women also fast in search of a good husband. Green attire is chosen on this auspicious occasion to pay homage to nature.

Women use henna to decorate their palms a day before the celebration. To deepen the henna and lighten the pattern, they leave the hands undisturbed for hours. It is customary to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati, the heavenly personification of marital bliss and serenity, during mehndi ceremonies.

Mehndi is said to promote peace and prosperity in marriages. Besides strengthening relationships and creating a sense of community, the mehndi application unites women as they sing, dance and tell stories to celebrate being married. It is a communal activity for many women.

Designs inspired by flowers and nature

A basic floral pattern is always a good choice. A distinctive greenery green dress completes the design, ideal for paying homage to nature with its beautiful swirls, flowers and leaves as the focal point.

Geometric with floral design

This pattern combines a strong geometric pattern with a delicate floral design. As it focuses more on delicate design forms rather than occupying space, its appearance is also minimal. The border around this area gives the impression of a temple arch although there is no henna in the design. Its temple arch pattern and simple style are perfect for a religious celebration like Hariyali Tej.

Other options you can try.

In mehndi designs, animal motifs such as swans, peacocks and elephants stand for devotion and love. Alternatively, themes of Lord Krishna and Radha or Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati can be used in the design.

If you prefer a more straightforward design, a woman in a swing would be ideal to honor one of the important pastimes that women participate in during their heyday.

In this holy season, let your creative juices flow and create works of art that include you and your spouse. They will be very happy to see this design as it shows your love and loyalty towards them.

During this celebration, the parents of a married woman send a sindhara, a gift bucket, to their daughter and her in-laws. It includes homemade sweets, ghiwar, bangles, henna and more. Because of this ritual, Hariyali Tej is also called Sindhara Tej.