Design Vocabulary & Technique

What is Kalash?

A kalash is a sacred pot, usually shown with mango leaves and a coconut on top. In mehendi it is an auspicious motif symbolising abundance, prosperity and new beginnings, common in Gujarati, Marathi and Rajasthani bridal designs.

Kalash explained

The kalash is used in Hindu wedding rituals and pujas, so it naturally finds a place on the bride's palms or wrists.

It is often paired with the lotus or shehnai in traditional layouts.

Also searched as: kalash mehendi design · kalash motif · kalash meaning

Mehendi designs related to kalash

Gujarati Mehendi

Gujarati mehendi is a traditional, densely filled style common at Gujarati and Jain weddings, featuring auspicious motifs such as the kalash, shehnai, peacocks and the bride and groom.

Maharashtrian Mehendi

Maharashtrian mehendi is a balanced, traditional style used at Marathi weddings and festivals, built around lotus, paisley, kalash and coconut motifs with neat, moderately dense fills.

Lotus Mehendi

Lotus mehendi uses the lotus flower (kamal) as its main motif, usually drawn as layered pointed petals in the centre of the palm, symbolising purity, prosperity and new beginnings.

Baraat & Doli Scene Mehendi

Baraat and doli mehendi is a storytelling bridal design that depicts wedding scenes - the groom's procession, elephants, musicians and the bride's doli (palanquin) - across the arms and palms.

Related mehendi terms

MotifA motif is a single repeated element in a mehendi design - such as a peacock, lotus, paisley, mandala or kalash. Motifs carry meaning and are combined with outlines and fillings to build a full design.JharokhaA jharokha is an ornate overhanging window from Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In mehendi it appears as an arched frame, often with the bride or groom drawn inside, and as tiered architectural borders up the arm.ButaA buta (or buti for a small one) is a small floral or paisley motif, borrowed from textile embroidery, that is repeated across a mehendi design or placed singly on fingers and wrists.Sola ShringarSola shringar refers to the sixteen traditional adornments of an Indian bride, such as sindoor, bindi, kajal, bangles, anklets and mehendi. Henna on the hands and feet is one of the most important of these adornments.

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