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Mehendi
The rich culture of Bihar is most evident during the wedding season. Traditions are woven into their pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding ceremonies. Among the main Bihar pre-wedding rituals, Haldi and Mehendi are the traditional concepts of the ancient Solah Shringaar that enhance the Indian bride’s wedding look. These ceremonies usually have a larger attendance than the Cheka and are filled with singing, dancing, and fun. The Mehendi ceremony is a joyous and vibrant occasion where the bride has henna designs applied to her hands and feet. A dot of the auspicious Mehendi is even applied to the groom on the same day at his home. These days, brides and grooms have a combined function with families and guests from both sides attending the Mehendi ceremony. Inspired by Indian films, the Mehendi ritual in Bihar and Jharkhand has become integral to wedding functions. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and involves family and friends. Mirroring the Haldi ceremony, the bride's mehendi (henna) is also sent from the groom’s house. First, the mehendi, symbolising good fortune, is applied to the bride by her mother, sister, or any elder female relative. Once done, the professional Mehendi artists start applying mehendi to the bride. The bride’s mehendi can take four to six hours with elaborate designs consisting of paisleys, flowers, peacocks, and even the groom's name or initials hidden within the design. While traditionally, the Mehendi ceremony usually takes place at the bride's home or her relatives' house, today it can be held at a marriage hall, in a wedding lawn, a 5-star hotel, or at a resort. It is decorated with fresh flowers, colourful drapes, and traditional motifs. Mehendi is also applied to family members and guests who attend the ceremony. While everyone applies Mehndi, women sing traditional folk songs and perform regional dances. There may also be live music with drumbeats of the Indian dhol (traditional drum) or a mini-orchestra playing the latest film songs to create a joyful atmosphere. Sometimes, live performers showcase their skills and art. Music, dance, and lavish spreads have become crucial to the Mehendi ceremony. At the Mehendi, the bride receives blessings and sometimes Shagun from the elders in the family. The mehndi is usually scraped off once it has dried. According to an old tale, the darker or deeper the colour of the mehendi, the groom will be more loving and affectionate. The Mehendi ceremony in Bihar marks the bride’s readiness for her wedding and her new life ahead. Modern grooms in Bihar and Jharkhand are also celebrating Mehendi. If at home, it is usually a small affair with only a dollop or dot of mehendi applied on the groom’s palm. This mehendi comes from the bride’s home. But nowadays, many couples combine their Mehendi functions, with family and friends from both sides participating in the celebrations. Drinks like thandai or sharbat, snacks like Sanai phool ke pakode or Phulauri, sweets like Gujias or Balushahis are passed around before everyone heads for a meal of Litti Choka, Champaran meat, and more.
Cultural Significance
The Mehendi ceremony in Bihar dates back thousands of years. Deeply rooted in the culture, the ritual holds significance as mehendi (henna) was believed to have natural healing properties. It was even used to ward off evil and attract good luck. In the last few decades, mehendi has evolved into bridal body art, with the Mehendi ceremony becoming a massive part of the pre-wedding rituals. Deeply rooted in Hindu and Mughal culture, it is integral to Indian bridal customs. Nowadays, the Mehendi ceremony is a fun event with deep cultural and historical roots.
Mehndi symbolises love and affection between the bride and groom. The application of Mehndi before the marriage marks an auspicious start to the marital journey. Applying mehendi is also associated with fertility. The intricate patterns representing marriage and motherhood make it an essential part of the Bihar and jharkhand wedding rituals. In traditional Bihari customs, mehendi leaves from the henna plant emphasize harmony between nature and human life
Fashioning Tradition
The dress code for any Indian wedding ceremony is bold, bright, and beautiful. At the Mehendi ceremony, while the typical Bihari bride wears a saree in vibrant colours, modern brides prefer lehengas in neon green, pink, teal, yellow, or orange. Sometimes, a sassy or quirky bride may opt for a more eccentric flared knee-length Mehendi ceremony dress made by top Indian designers. Whether saree, lehenga, or dress, it is usually embroidered and embellished with threads, zari, beads, sequins, pearls, mirrors, and crystals. It is also rich but not as much as the wedding outfit. The motifs on the Mehendi outfit may be inspired by regional crafts like Madhubani. Finally, the outfit has to be comfortable because the bride needs to wear it for long hours until her mehendi design dries up. Her makeup and jewellery are usually natural and light.
On the other hand, the groom may dress in a simple Kurta Pajama or Kurta Dhoti in pastel or bright colours like yellow, green, and beige for his Mehendi. His outfit is usually made of comfortable fabrics like cotton or silk. Sometimes, the groom may even opt for an embroidered jacket over the kurta. The groom may wear traditional accessories like a turban or dupatta to complete the look. Gone are the days when Mehendi was exclusive for the bride. Today, with a combined Mehendi ceremony celebrated by the bride and groom, both dress to complement each other. Their outfit colours, fabrics, and styles are usually coordinated not just with one another but also with the overall theme of the ceremony.
Jewellery & Accessories
Jewellery and accessories play an integral role in defining the Mehendi look. During the Mehndi ceremony in Bihar and Jharkhand, the jewellery worn by the bride, groom, and others is traditional and elegant. For the mehendi to be applied evenly on the hands and legs, a modern bride-to-be wears a statement gold or diamond earring or necklace. Bangles, bracelets, and anklets are a big no-no. Some brides may even choose to wear jewellery made from fresh flowers. Floral jewellery is trending and is available in different colours and styles, including Maang Tikka, earrings, and necklaces.
Image Credits
India Mart | Ram Kumar Mehendi | Send Free Invitations | Pinterest | Svet | Clive Blair | Venue Monk | Styles of Life | Bridestory | Instagram | Hindustan Times | Cultural India | Alumi | Cultural India | What is Bailhey