“What’s that on your hands? Is that permanent? That’s amazing!” This is the usual reaction from people seeing mehendi body art for the first time. Often viewed as temporary “tattooing,” it’s also an ancient art using natural henna paste to create intricate patterns on the body. To try mehendi, just attend “1,001 Nights of Summer” Girls’ Night Out, on Friday, August 7 in Stamford. There will also be belly dance lessons, hookahs, food and drink.

 The henna plant contains a natural dye (also used to color hair) that is ground and made into paste with essential oils. With bright stain and uplifting aroma, it leaves a translucent stain over the underlying skin tone lasting about two weeks. Mehendi is most popular in the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent, but in the last 10 years it is becoming the body art of choice for many in the United States. Mehendi also provides a natural alternative to tattoos. The henna application is a sensual and relaxing experience, says mehendi artist Svetlana Iyer, and the result gives a sense of harmony and contrast to the skin, while soothing and invigorating the spirit.

”1,000 Nights of Summer” at Girls’ Night out on Friday, August 7 will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 20 Forest street, Stamford. Fee is $25 at the door, $20 prepaid. Svetlana Iyer is an owner of Sveta’s Mehendi in Stamford. To learn more about mehendi, visit SvetasMehendi.com or call 203.554.0769.