Published: October 31, 2023, 05:36 PM IST
Karwa Chauth, a revered Indian festival, is just around the corner, and on November 1st, married women will embark on a day-long ‘nirjala’ fast from sunrise to moonrise. The night before Karwa Chauth, markets bustle with women shopping for karwa, diyas, and puja samagri, and queuing up to have their hands adorned with intricate henna designs. Mehndi, an essential part of Indian tradition, is considered auspicious and is applied by both unmarried and married women during special occasions and festivals. It is believed that the darker the color of the mehndi, the deeper the love between spouses, making it not just a tradition but a symbol of love and devotion.
Here, we present you with 10 home remedies to make your mehndi darker and long-lasting:
1. Choose Fresh Henna
For the best results, it’s essential to use fresh henna powder. Fresh henna tends to produce a darker stain. Create a smooth paste by mixing the henna powder with lemon juice and a pinch of sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours or overnight to let the dye release. Always ensure that the henna you use is of high quality, free from additives or chemicals. As beauty expert Renu Rajvandhi suggests, "Opt for natural, homemade mehndi paste instead of chemical-laden alternatives."
2. Cleanse Your Hands
Before applying mehndi, thoroughly cleanse your hands and gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This step aids in better henna absorption and ensures a deeper and more vibrant color outcome.
3. Apply Essential Oils
After applying the henna paste, consider dabbing a mixture of essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender onto the design. This can enhance the color, as recommended by Renu.
4. Keep it Warm and Moist
Wrap your mehndi design with plastic or cloth to maintain warmth and moisture. Heat helps the dye develop better, as suggested by Renu.
5. Sugar and Lemon Juice
Once the mehndi is dry, apply a mixture of sugar and lemon juice on top of the design. This traditional Ayurvedic remedy acts as a sealant, trapping heat and boosting color development. Additionally, refrain from washing your hands for at least 6-8 hours to allow the henna to settle properly, according to Payal Grover, Founder at Ashpveda.
Remember, a darker mehndi is not only an embodiment of love but is also more visually appealing than a lighter one. By following these home remedies, you can make your Karwa Chauth 2023 celebration even more special with a striking mehndi design. Enjoy the festivities and the deep bond of love symbolized by the dark hue of your mehndi!
Karwa Chauth 2023: 10 home remedies to make your mehndi darker, and make this auspicious day even more memorable with your beautifully adorned hands.
Enhancing Tradition: 10 Home Remedies to Make Your Mehndi Darker in 2023
How to Make Mehndi Dark and Long Lasting
For Karwa Chauth 2023, achieving rich and long-lasting mehndi is a cherished tradition. To make your mehndi design stand out, consider these home remedies that have been passed down through generations:
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Choose Fresh Henna: Use fresh henna powder for the darkest stain. Mix it with lemon juice and a touch of sugar to create a smooth paste. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight for optimal dye release.
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Cleanse Your Hands: Before applying mehndi, cleanse and gently exfoliate your hands to ensure better henna absorption and a more vibrant outcome.
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Apply Essential Oils: After applying the henna paste, enhance the color by dabbing essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender on the design.
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Keep it Warm and Moist: Wrap your mehndi design with plastic or cloth to maintain warmth, aiding the dye’s development.
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Sugar and Lemon Juice: Once the mehndi is dry, apply a mixture of sugar and lemon juice. This age-old Ayurvedic remedy acts as a sealant, boosting color development.
By following these steps, you can celebrate Karwa Chauth with beautifully adorned hands and a deep, long-lasting mehndi design.
What is Karwa Chauth 2023 Mehndi?
Image: Shutterstock
Karwa Chauth 2023 Mehndi holds significant cultural importance as it symbolizes the deep love and devotion that married women in India and around the world have for their husbands. Karwa Chauth is a revered Hindu festival observed by married women, where they fast from sunrise to sunset, praying for the longevity and well-being of their beloved husbands.
What are the Rituals of Karwa Chauth?
One of the pivotal rituals of Karwa Chauth is the application of henna, known as mehndi. This natural dye is traditionally applied to the hands and feet of women during Karwa Chauth. The depth of the henna stain is a symbolic marker of the ritual’s auspiciousness, with a darker stain signifying deeper significance.
How to Break Karwa Chauth Fast?
Breaking your Karwa Chauth fast is a crucial moment, and choosing lighter, healthier foods is essential to make the most of this special day. Opt for foods such as fruits, yogurt, nuts, a gentle sweet dessert, and beverages like juices and buttermilk to break your Karwa Chauth fast gracefully.
Where is Karva Chauth in 2023?
In 2023, Karva Chauth falls on November 1st, which is a Wednesday. According to the Hindu calendar, this auspicious event takes place during the waning moon cycle in the month of Kartika, approximately nine days before the festival of Diwali.
Can you sleep during Karva Chauth?
While some women choose to spend their day of fasting by resting or sleeping, it is important to note that such fasting may not yield the desired results. Sleeping during Karva Chauth may not provide the intended spiritual benefits. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid wearing clothing in colors like blue, black, brown, or grey on this auspicious day.
