 North East India
Navratri, a festival celebrated with great reverence across India, is a beautiful confluence of rich traditions, spiritual significance, and joyous celebrations.
Over the course of nine nights, this festival honors Goddess Durga and her nine forms, the embodiment of divine feminine energy or Shakti, and marks her victory over evil forces. It is a time for reflection, devotion, and transformation. One of the most cherished customs during Navratri is the application of henna (mehndi). Henna is not only an artistic expression but also carries deep cultural significance across various regions of India. Whether it’s for the lively Garba and Dandiya dances, or as a simple yet meaningful gesture to invite good fortune, henna plays an important role in Navratri celebrations, particularly in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating ways in which henna intertwines with Navratri’s vibrant celebrations, and how the art form varies across different regions, each adding their unique flair and tradition to this joyous festival. Gujarat – The Soul of Garba and the Art of Henna
 Artist: Arti Pastagia (click photo)
Gujarat, the heartland of Garba and Dandiya Raas, comes alive with energy and color during Navratri. While dance and devotion are at the heart of the celebration, henna has become a cherished part of the larger observance, blending artistic expression with ancient tradition.
Historically, henna use in India dates back to at least 400 AD, with accounts of its presence in the Deccan region. Given Gujarat’s proximity to the Deccan and its role as a trade hub, henna naturally found its place in the region’s rich cultural tapestry, intertwining with Hindu festivities over time. A Celebration of Culture
Art, Dance, Theater- The Spirit of Navratri in Maharashtra
 Artist: Feinal Bardoliwala (click photo)
Navratri in Maharashtra is a time of deep devotion, vibrant celebrations, and cherished traditions that bring families and communities together in honor of the goddess. Among the many ways this festival is observed, Lavani and Gondhal stand out as two of the most meaningful and spiritually rich performances, blending music, dance, and storytelling into a heartfelt offering to the divine.
Lavani, with its rhythmic grace and powerful expressions, is more than just a dance—it is an invocation of the goddess’s energy. Though often associated with entertainment, its origins lie in devotional performances that celebrate the divine feminine. During Navratri, Lavani takes on a sacred essence, as dancers move with intensity and grace, embodying the strength and beauty of Shakti, the goddess’s cosmic force. Before these performances, it is common for women to adorn their hands with intricate henna designs, symbols of prosperity, love, and blessings. The scent of fresh henna lingers in the air as families gather, sharing stories of the goddess while preparing for the festivities. As the night deepens, another sacred tradition comes to life--Gondhal, a ritual that calls upon the power of Goddess Bhavani and other deities. Performed by the Gondhali community, this ancient practice is both a devotional act and a spiritual offering. In temples and homes, the rhythmic beats of the dholki and the resonating sound of the tuntuna fill the air, as performers sing tales of the goddess’s victories over evil. The ballads they sing are not just songs; they are stories passed down through generations, each word carrying the weight of devotion. As hands decorated with henna fold in prayer and offerings of flowers and sweets are made, the atmosphere is filled with a divine energy, a reminder that Navratri is as much about inner reflection as it is about joyous celebration. With each passing day, the festival unfolds like a beautifully woven tapestry—henna-stained hands preparing offerings, voices rising in song, and dancers moving in rhythmic devotion. Navratri in Maharashtra is not just an event; it is a sacred journey, where music, movement, and ritual come together to honor the goddess in all her forms. And as the festival reaches its climax on Vijayadashami, when prayers are answered and blessings are sought, the echoes of Lavani’s lively beats and Gondhal’s soulful chants remain, a reminder that devotion and celebration are forever intertwined in this land of faith and tradition. Rajasthan – Desert Traditions and Henna
 Artist: Unknown (click on pictures)
Navratri in Rajasthan is a celebration of devotion, tradition, and artistic expression, deeply rooted in the region’s royal heritage. Among the many customs observed during this festival, the art of henna is embraced as a beautiful addition to Rajasthan's ancient and cherished rituals, enhancing the festive traditions with its intricate designs and symbolic meanings.
Rajasthani mehndi designs are known for their intricate patterns, reflecting the grandeur of the desert state. More than mere adornment, these designs hold deep symbolic meaning, with motifs such as peacocks, lotus flowers, and elaborate jewelry patterns representing prosperity, grace, and divine blessings. As the sun sets over Rajasthan’s golden sands, the rhythmic beats of dhol and the echoes of folk songs fill the air. Women clad in vibrant lehengas, their henna-stained hands adorned with bangles, move gracefully in the mesmerizing swirl of Ghoomar, the traditional Rajasthani dance. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, henna is a sacred symbol of Navratri, believed to bring luck and positive energy. The practice of applying henna before the festival’s commencement is not just a beauty ritual but a spiritual act, aligning the wearer with the divine feminine power of Shakti. With each design, women honor the goddess, expressing their devotion through this ancient art form known as mehndi. As the nights of Navratri progress, temples glow with oil lamps, and voices rise in devotional songs, weaving a tapestry of faith and festivity. In Rajasthan, where tradition and celebration are inseparable, henna remains a loved part of the festival—a reminder that beauty, spirituality, and devotion are forever intertwined. And as the final night of Navratri gives way to Vijayadashami, marking the triumph of good over evil, the deep hues of henna serve as a lasting emblem of prayers offered, blessings received, and the enduring spirit of Rajasthan’s sacred celebrations. Henna as a Global Tradition
Though henna is widely used across South Asia, Middle east and Africa, its practice has spread globally, especially among the Indian diaspora. In regions like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, henna is applied by people of various cultures, not only during Navratri, but also for events like weddings, Diwali, and Eid. The popularity of mehndi has grown beyond cultural boundaries, and it is now seen as a form of self-expression and artistic celebration among Westerners. As henna continues to gain recognition worldwide for its auspiciousness—whether as a symbol of joy, creativity, or a connection to a broader cultural heritage—henna offers a unique way to add meaning and beauty to any special occasion. How do you envision incorporating this beautiful herb and art into your own celebrations? To learn more about our Henna services for your celebrations click here
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When utilizing 100% pure and natural henna, it is generally safe for a wide range of individuals, including children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, men, and it poses no harm to the environment. For internal uses, it is crucial to consult with an Ayurvedic Doctor (PhD) (not a practitioner or certificate holder) who has extensive experience in this area. It is beneficial to engage all your healthcare providers—regardless of their background, whether Western, Eastern, Southern, or Northern—in your healing journey to ensure a holistic approach. Many henna artists primarily recognize henna as a temporary body art or a natural hair dye, which has led to the unfortunate addition of chemicals in some henna products. Be cautious of henna marketed as "black henna" or "colored henna," as these often contain PPD dye, which can cause severe skin reactions and even chemical burns; it is imperative to avoid black henna entirely, as the damage it can inflict may be irreversible. NEVER USE BLACK HENNA #NoToBlackHenna  Chemical Burns from the use of Black henna #NoToBlackHenna #AlwaysAskTheRecipe. A reputable source of henna will readily provide information about their harvesting and drying methods, as well as lab-tested evidence confirming the purity of their product. For the safest experience, consider making your own henna or purchasing pre-made henna cones or 100% pure henna leaf powder from trusted suppliers.
Always ask the henna artist what the recipe is that was used to make the henna, #AlwaysAskTheRecipe. The insights shared here may encourage you to incorporate henna into your healing and self care practices, and it is advisable to involve any other practitioners you are collaborating with. |
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AuthorHi, I'm Pooja! For the past 12 years, I've been a professional henna artist in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. Henna is a meaningful part of my cultural heritage, and I’m passionate about sharing its beauty and artistry. Along with creating beautiful designs, I love educating others about the art of henna, its holistic benefits, and the growing research on its therapeutic uses, including for cancer and autoimmune conditions. |
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