The Mehndi Ceremony
JANUARY 27, 2024
The mehndi ceremony, a significant event traditionally attended exclusively by the bride's close female friends and family, marks the commencement of the wedding festivities. Typically held a day before the nuptials (concurrently with the sangeet), the ceremony spans several hours due to the intricate nature of the process. Amidst the celebration, henna paste is skillfully applied to create elaborate temporary designs on the bride's hands and feet. While these designs commonly feature floral motifs, it's also a customary practice to conceal the partner's name within the artwork, creating a playful challenge for them to discover laterβa symbolic representation of the patience expected in their marital journey.
Numerous Hindu beliefs revolve around the significance attributed to the color of the wedding henna. Patel shares one perspective from her family, stating, "The darker the henna, the more a mother-in-law will cherish her daughter-in-law." Additionally, insights gained from interactions with Hindus from diverse regions suggest alternative beliefs, such as associating darker henna with a stronger marriage or heightened love from the husband towards the wife.