Mehndi - The new fashion accessory

Tattoo out. Mehndi in. The traditional art of Mehndi is fast emerging as the new-age pain-free body ornamentation alternative to tattooing.

It is no more merely being applied just on hands or feet. But is rather becoming a fashion accessory, molding itself perfectly according to the needs of changing times to become chic and fashionable.

Aiding this trend are new forms of instant mehndi, which have evolved in the recent past and are today a rage among the younger generation - Shaded Arabian mehndi, Crystal mehndi, Glitters and Stick mehndi, says Shafi, an expert in the art.

Till now youngsters were going in for tattooing, which is very painful. But with mehndi taking the center stage, body art has become a fad, says Shafi.

Women in India have been decorating their hand and feet with henna for last 5000 years and even though the old designs have faded, the art has withstood the impact of change.

The renewal of mehndi can also be attributed to the glitterati, be it in Bollywood or Hollywood, that have adopted it as a fashion statement.

From Demi Moore to Madonna and Naomi Campbell to Drew Barrymore the list of famous names smitten with the mehndi magic is ever increasing. Many of Indian TV serials and films of late have also dealt in detail on the mehndi rituals.