It’s 2008. I’m ten years old. I have a henna cone in my hand and I’m not afraid to use it. I squeeze unrecognisable flowers onto the women, and I paint wonky footballs and messy rockets onto the boys.

Ishita has previously contributed to a number of publications, including The Indian Express, The Logical Indian, and Feminism In India. She has over two years of writing experience and enjoys using ...

With a history spanning millennia across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, henna is steeped in tradition and cultural rituals. The natural dye is typically used to create temporary, ...