Mehandi is considered to be auspicious for married women and play a significant role in beautifying them specially on Karwa Chauth. People believe that married woman who get dark mehandi color will get lots of love and care from her groom. It is also a symbol of good luck and prosperity. On day before Karwa Chauth, women get intricate mehandi designs applied on their hands.

The most traditional designs of applying mehandi consist of very simple shapes like triangle, circle, lines and many more. These shapes can also be combined in such a manner that it will result in a beautiful design on the palm and feet of women. Application of henna or mehandi is very much popular on the auspicious day of Karwa Chauth. On the arrival of this festival, everyone from the small time henna artist to beauty saloons are busy creating beautiful and intricate designs on the palm and feet of married women.

How To Make Mehandi Cones

• In order to make Mehandi cones, we need a small freezer bag, a scissor, a scotch tape and a rubber band.
• The freezer is cut into squares and one freezer is can make two cones. The size you make the cones is up to you, but do not make it too big or it will be hard to handle.
• A cone is generally made of 6'' squares. Use a straight edge to make sure that the corners are 90 degrees, as it will help in actual folding of cone.
• Carefully make a funnel shape out of the square because the plastic is very slippery and you will want to wrap the square around itself in such a way that it completely overlaps, leaving no open spaces for the paste to squeeze out.
• At the same time, leave a small hole at the bottom of the funnel, just large enough to allow the paste to squeeze out without difficulty.
• When you get the funnel exactly how you want it to be, tape the side edges where the plastic overlaps. Be careful not to move the plastic when you do this, or you will have to start over again. It is better to keep a few small pieces of tape ready instead of trying to get it from the dispenser at this time. Now tape all the way from the bottom to the top of the funnel.

How To Apply Mehandi

• Smooth henna paste is made by sifting the dry henna powder to remove any debris and adding hot tea or coffee mixture and henna oil until it has a mud-like firmness.
• Once the paste is prepared, take a plastic cone with a very fine key-hole at the end. Pour the paste into the cone and tie the broader end with a rubber band.
• By holding the cone in the right hand, gently squeeze the paste on the palm and start making patterns.
• Keep the palm horizontal and let the patterned-paste rest on it till dry.
• Warm it near the fire and leave it on for as long as it takes to get the stains deeper.
• When it is almost dry, dab a piece of cotton in sugar and lemon solution and apply lightly on the designs so it further darkens to a reddish-brown hue that can last for weeks.
• After 3-4 hours wash off the hands with plain water.