Also known as mehandi, mehndi or mehendi.
A non-permanent traditional form of body decoration common in India, North Africa, and the Middle East.
It usually involves the painting of elaborate shapes and figures on the hands and feet of a woman (or man) with a substance made from a henna paste. The henna stains the skin a deep orange or brown color which can remain on the skin for several weeks.
In some cases the design and color of the mendhi tattoo carries a special significance. In India, the hands and feet of a woman are usually painted on her wedding day. Her husband's name may be incorporated into the design.
In recent years celebrities and musicians like Madonna have popularized mendhi designs to the western world. You can very easily buy a "mendhi kit" with stencils to apply your own designs and some beauty salons and tattoo parlours offer the service as well.