Mehndi Ceremony

Mehndi is yet another traditional yet exciting pre wedding ceremony. In Indian weddings, a lot of emphasis is given on customs and rituals and the same is reflected in the Mehndi ceremony before marriage. Mehendi ceremony has become such an integral part of the wedding ceremony that it cannot be imagined without it. Furthermore, Mehndi is one of the sixteen adornments of the bride and her beauty is incomplete without it. Mehndi ceremony usually takes place just before marriage. According to the ritual, the bride does not step out of the house after this ceremony. Mehndi ceremony is essentially organized by the family of the bride and is usually a private affair which takes place in the presence of friends, relatives and family members. However, the scale of the ceremony depends upon individual choice. Some people celebrate it with great pomp and show.Traditionally, the Mehndi paste is made from dried powdered henna leaves. The leaves are dried in sun, ground and sieved to obtain a fine mossy green powder, which is then combined with water, lemon juice, drops of eucalyptus oil, and mixed till a smooth paste is obtained. The paste is soaked overnight for maximum infusion and then poured inside a plastic cone. Smaller cones are preferred as it affords easier application.Gone are the days when certain aunties and sisters were in demand around the neighborhood for their expertise in Mehndi designs. Now Mehndi ceremony centers around professional Mehendi artist who specializes in the latest trends in henna art. Traditional Indian designs include peacock motifs, floral designs, bride/groom replicas and other elements that cover every inch of the hand, forearms, feet and calves. The fingertips are generally covered in thick layers of henna paste. The idea is to adorn the bride’s body in imitation of expensive Jewelry. For those who are minimalists, they can choose Arabic designs where the Mehndi motifs are generally applied to one side of the hand and feet and do not extend to forearms or calves. Floral and paisley motifs dominate this style and the designs are generally curvy with lots of emphasis on vines. Indo-Arabic style of Mehndi fuses these two design trends into a classy, artistic genre. Latest trends in bridal henna designs is incorporation of colors in between henna motifs, addition of stones and blings, inclusion of glitters or metallic dusts. Geometric patterns and white henna designs are also in vogue today.