Henna art the ‘in thing’ this Aidilfitri

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Who knew mehndi – typically drawn on the arms, hands and legs of brides – would become a must-have for Aidilfitri?

As a result of the fast-growing trend -- and high interest as shown in the past on the eve of Hari Raya -- henna artists are finding it hard to keep up with demand.

Full-time henna artist, Noorwaheeda Che Mohd Asaari, 35, said that no matter how old a person, lacey patterns, and designs representing plants and flowers, will always be popular.

"Usually, in the last week of Ramadan, around 30 to 50 people will come by at night for a henna tattoo as an extra adornment for the celebrations.

"Different from wedding henna, which covers everything to the fingertips, Raya henna is simpler and mainly drawn on the hand and palm," said Noorwaheeda, who has been plying her trade since 2013.

The Kuala Lumpur local who has a stand at Uptown Puchong Night Bazaar has examples of her work using the long-lasting red henna and waterproof, yet impermanent white henna, up on Instagram @eyrdawaheeda_henna.

She told Bernama the fascination with henna art this Ramadan has helped her reap a revenue of RM5,000.

Another mehndi artist, Syazwana Rosre, 30, said that on the last day of Ramadan she and six fellow artists would normally operate their stand at Uptown Shah Alam Section 24 from 5pm-5am to accommodate more than 200 customers who come in at the last minute.

"A simple pattern takes just two to three minutes per hand, but a detailed one will take between 15 and 30 minutes.

"The customer must allow the henna 30-45 minutes to dry before the paste can be washed or scraped off. The henna design will last more than a week depending on how well one takes care of it," said Syazwana, who is from Petaling Jaya and has been in the business for nine years now.

Her designs -- which cost from RM5-RM70, and even up to RM100 for something more elaborate -- can be viewed at @syazmoralee_henna.

Henna art lover, Nurul Fauqiah Mohd Razikin, 29, said: "I’ve been besotted with henna since I was very young, resulting in the family growing a henna tree. It is easy to find nowadays and so low-maintenance, it has triggered people’s interest.

"The beautiful designs capture attention and pique the curiosity of relatives we visit at Raya time, indirectly forging closer ties,” she said, adding that her red henna choice is an integral part of Aidilfitri.

-- BERNAMA