Nepali Hindu Women Apply Mehendi at Kathmandu Fair as Part of Sacred Shrawan Ritual

Nepali Hindu women are painting their palms with Heena, commonly called ''mehendi,'' at a fair in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 2, 2024, as part of a ritual in the month of Shrawan. The month of Shrawan is considered sacred by Hindu devotees and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this time, females are keeping fasts and adorning green, yellow, and red bangles and beads. Especially on Mondays, devotees of all ages and sexes are going to the Shiva temple to worship the Lord. It is believed that unmarried girls keeping fasts on every Monday of the month will get the husband of their choice. Married women, however, are keeping the fasts for the good health and prosperity of their husbands and family members. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto via Getty Images)