Mehndi is one of the most joyful parts of getting ready for Diwali. Whether you want a quick design you can do yourself the night before or a full, intricate pattern, here are 20 Diwali mehndi designs: easy front and back hand designs, festive diya and lantern motifs, Arabic and finger designs, and simple ones for kids. There are also tips for getting the darkest colour.
When to apply mehndi for Diwali 2026: Mehndi takes 24–48 hours to reach its darkest colour. Apply it on Thursday, Nov 5 or Friday, Nov 6 (Dhanteras) for Diwali on Sunday, Nov 8. See all festival dates →
Easy and simple Diwali mehndi designs
1. Simple mandala on the palm
One round mandala in the centre of the palm, with the fingertips filled in. It takes about 10 minutes.
2. Easy diya mehndi on the palm
A small diya with a flame in the centre of the palm, with dots and vines around it.
3. Minimal finger mehndi
Just the fingers, with simple bands, dots and leaves. Perfect if you’re short of time. See more
finger mehndi designs.
4. Bracelet-style mehndi
A delicate mehndi “bracelet” at the wrist with a chain to the middle finger. It pairs beautifully with bangles.
5. Simple vine mehndi
A single flowing vine from the wrist to the index finger. It’s easy enough to do on your own hand.
Back hand Diwali mehndi designs
See more ideas in our back hand mehndi designs.
6. Full back hand floral mehndi
7. Back hand lantern (kandil) mehndi
8. Back hand mandala with jaal
Festive motif mehndi designs
9. Diya and rangoli mehndi
10. Lotus mehndi
The lotus is linked to Goddess Lakshmi, which makes it a lovely motif for Lakshmi Puja.
11. Peacock mehndi
12. Kalash and coins mehndi
13. Rose mehndi
More ideas in our rose mehndi designs.
Arabic and modern Diwali mehndi
See more Arabic mehndi designs.
Full hand and traditional mehndi
17. Full hand traditional mehndi
18. Marwari mehndi
See more Marwari mehndi designs.
Mehndi for kids and for Bhai Dooj
19. Kids’ mehndi
Small, quick designs are best for children, who won’t sit still for long. More ideas in our mehndi designs for kids.
20. Quick Bhai Dooj mehndi
A small motif on the back of the hand is perfect for Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11.
Tips for dark Diwali mehndi
- Apply 24–48 hours before Lakshmi Puja so the colour has time to darken.
- Wash and dry your hands first, and don’t apply lotion or oil before the mehndi.
- Keep it on for six to eight hours, or overnight if you can.
- Dab lemon and sugar over the dry mehndi to help it stay on.
- Scrape it off, don’t wash it off, and avoid water for a few hours after. Warm your hands over a clove tawa or apply a little mustard oil for a deeper stain.
- Choose natural henna. Avoid “black henna”, which can contain chemicals that cause skin reactions. Do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
New to mehndi? Read our step-by-step guide to applying henna and mehndi designs for beginners.
Also see
- 30 Diwali rangoli designs
- Bangle mehndi designs
- Paithani sarees for Diwali
- Indian festivals calendar
FAQ
When should I apply mehndi for Diwali 2026?
Apply it on Thursday, November 5 or Friday, November 6 (Dhanteras). It will be at its darkest for Lakshmi Puja on Sunday, November 8.
What is the easiest Diwali mehndi design?
A single mandala on the palm, a diya motif, or simple finger bands. Each takes 10–15 minutes.
How can I make my mehndi darker?
Keep it on for six to eight hours, apply lemon-sugar while it dries, scrape it off instead of washing, and avoid water for a few hours.
Is it okay to draw gods and goddesses in mehndi?
Some families prefer not to, since mehndi gets washed away. Diyas, lotuses, kalash, peacocks and mandalas are popular festive alternatives.
