“Do not get mehndi applied by Muslim artists”

• In Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), a Hindu women’s group appeals to Hindu women

• They also urged people to support Hindu artisans !

Hindu women should get henna applied only by Hindu women – an appeal from the Hindu women’s group!

Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) – A group of local women in Mathura has appealed to Hindu women in the city not to get mehndi (henna) applied by Muslim artists. The appeal stated clearly that Hindu women should get mehndi applied only by Hindu women so that Hindu sisters engaged in this profession receive economic support.

Appeal linked to Karva Chauth and other festivals

The appeal has mainly been made ahead of the upcoming Karva Chauth and other similar festivals. Applying mehndi (henna) is a traditional part of these celebrations. Karva Chauth, observed on the fourth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, is a festival where married women fast and pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands.

What did the women’s group say ?

The women who issued the appeal stated that during such religious and social festivals, giving mehndi application work to Hindu artisans will help local Hindu women gain employment and become self-reliant. Many Muslim artists currently hold mehndi contracts, due to which Hindu women are left behind in this profession. The group distributed pamphlets in city markets and beauty salons and also shared their message on social media. The appeal has sparked mixed reactions in the city.

The women clarified that their intention was not to hurt any community but to provide opportunities for Hindu artisans and help their businesses grow. They urged all Hindu women in the city to support this initiative and give preference to Hindu mehndi artists during festive occasions.