In a world where beauty trends come and go, henna – an ancient form of body painting art – continues to captivate for its stunning designs and spiritual meanings. Leading artist Pavan Dhanjal is helping reinvent the practice for the latest generation.
Known as the world’s fastest henna artist, Pavan Dhanjal focuses on combining tradition with innovation, offering designs that are as versatile as they are beautiful for weddings and cultural events, such as Diwali. With her brand Pavan Beauty, she is also redefining what the art form can be, making it accessible and stylish on a global scale through henna bars and products.
Here, Pavan tells us what we need to know about the art of henna from Pavan.
Henna’s cultural significance
“Henna has ancient origins, dating back over 5,000 years to Egypt, Persia, and India. It’s been used for beauty, cooling and rituals, and in South Asian traditions it holds deep significance, especially during weddings and festivals. Henna symbolises joy, protection, prosperity and love, with its application often marking life’s major celebrations like weddings, Diwali and Eid. It’s also a communal experience, where the act of applying it brings people together in celebration of culture and tradition.”
It started with a wedding: How Pavan started her journey
“I got into henna at a family wedding; I had the urge to pick up a henna cone and start practising designs! I was immediately hooked and wanted to be the best at the art and make a living from it. Looking back, for me, it was the feeling of doing the henna, the relaxation, the connection, the enjoyment and the pull to my culture. It all played a part in the magic I felt while doing the henna, and I knew this is all I wanted to focus on. I just felt so proud of the beauty of henna and wanted to share it with the world.”
On what henna means to her…
“Henna has always been a way for me to express my culture and creativity. Over time, it has grown from a passion into a deeper connection, where each design tells a story and celebrates tradition. As I’ve evolved as an artist, so has my relationship with henna – it’s not just about the art anymore, but about sharing my heritage and empowering others through it. Henna has become my way of connecting people, both to themselves and to a rich cultural history.”
The symbolism behind henna designs
“Henna designs are rich with symbolism. Common motifs include paisleys, symbolising fertility and abundance; floral patterns, representing joy and beauty; peacocks, a sign of elegance and grace; and mandalas, which signify unity and spiritual growth. Each design tells a story, connecting the wearer to tradition and marking important life events.”
Henna is more than just body art
“Henna is known for its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties, and it is traditionally used to soothe skin, headaches, and even stress. Spiritually, it’s believed to offer protection and ward off negative energy too. In my work, I’ve also seen henna serve as more than just body art – it becomes a tool for personal empowerment, especially during key life events like weddings or healing journeys. Clients often express how the ritual helps them feel connected to their roots, calms their mind, or boosts their confidence – making it a meaningful experience beyond its visual beauty.”
Henna’s connection to Diwali
“Henna is a big part of Diwali. Unlike weddings, where designs are often intricate and cover larger areas, Diwali henna tends to be simpler and quicker, focusing on smaller patterns like flowers or mandalas. The application is more casual, often done among friends and family as part of the festive preparations, adding a personal touch to the celebrations.”
On creating her beautiful designs
“I like using words or symbols that mean something; we can add this in to any design to customise it and make sure the design is personal to each client. I believe seeing a certain word or a symbol that means something to you can really help in manifesting what you want and leaves an imprint in your mind – and a positive meaning to the art on your body.”
Finding inspiration: How Pavan creates her works of henna art
“Designing and applying henna starts with understanding the flow of the body and how the design will complement it. I usually begin by sketching out the pattern in my mind, ensuring the elements – whether traditional or modern – are balanced. Precision is key, so I use cones with fine tips to control the flow of the henna. Important techniques include steady hand movements and layering to create depth and detail. The drying and aftercare process is equally crucial to ensure rich, long-lasting colour. It’s all about combining creativity with careful technique to bring the design to life.”
On what it takes to be a great henna artist
“The secret? Lots of practice, a steady hand, and maybe a little magic! Honestly, it’s all about muscle memory—after years of doing it, my hands kind of know what to do before I even think about it. As for tricks, I always make sure to keep my henna cone in tip-top shape for smooth, even lines. And symmetry? Let’s just say my eyes have developed a radar for balance! Plus, a little caffeine never hurts to keep the speed going!”
On her brand, Pavan Beauty…
“At
Pavan Beauty, we honour henna’s rich cultural roots while adapting it for today’s beauty trends. By staying true to its symbolism and significance, we bring henna to the modern world through innovative products and accessible experiences like our
henna bars. It’s about balancing tradition with creativity – celebrating henna’s history while making it a fun, relevant part of everyday beauty.”
On advice for beginners
“For anyone looking to learn henna, I recommend starting with the basics: understanding the flow of lines and mastering simple shapes like dots, swirls, and flowers. Practice is key, so start small and build up your confidence. Use a cone with a fine tip for better control, and don’t worry about being perfect at first – patience and persistence will get you there! YouTube tutorials are great, and of course, our
Pavan Beauty Henna Kits are perfect for beginners. The biggest tip? Have fun with it! Henna is an art form, so let your creativity shine.”
On the future of henna
“I love seeing henna evolve as a form of self-expression! It’s moved beyond traditional settings to become a way for people to showcase their individuality, and that’s exciting. This shift inspires me to blend classic designs with modern elements, giving clients something unique that reflects both their style and the rich heritage of henna. It’s all about keeping the tradition alive while allowing it to grow and adapt. If I have anything to do with it, the future of henna will see it become a global beauty phenomenon – something that people didn’t realise they needed access to, ready for them on a silver platter.”
Lead image credit: Pavan Beauty
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