Mehendi

The Mehendi ceremony is a common North Indian pre-wedding ceremony that is a lively and cheerful gathering for the women in the family. During this ceremony, henna patterns are delicately applied to the hands and feet of the bride and her female relatives. The festivities kick off with the bride and her female family members coming together at the bride’s home or a banquet. A skilled henna artist or a talented relative begins by adorning the bride's hands and feet with henna designs. These patterns often feature motifs, peacocks and other symbolic elements. Following the bride’s turn, other female relatives and friends also get Mehendi on their hands, albeit with simpler designs. The tradition of applying Mehendi at weddings spans thousands of years, dating back to ancient India. Initially valued for its cooling effects on the skin when exposed to sunlight, henna eventually evolved into an important component of wedding customs, symbolising happiness, beauty, and good fortune. Common designs feature florals, peacocks, paisleys, and geometric shapes. These designs often adorn the hands and feet, reaching up to the elbows and calves. Each element in the henna designs carries meaning. Flowers symbolise joy and happiness, peacocks embody beauty and grace, while paisleys are associated with fertility and prosperity. The Mehendi ceremony is usually held at the bride's or a relative's home, where the venue is beautifully adorned with flowers, drapes, and twinkling fairy lights to create a welcoming atmosphere. Traditional decor is often incorporated into the decorations to highlight the state's heritage. Typically taking place one or two days before the wedding, the Mehendi ceremony often starts in the afternoon. It continues into the evening to allow time for intricate henna patterns to be applied and dried. The Mehendi ceremony in Himachal Pradesh has evolved over time while preserving its roots. Initially focused on functionality, it has now become an elaborate affair that many brides eagerly look forward to. Influences from other regions and modern trends have contributed to the creation of new and innovative patterns that blend traditional customs with contemporary styles. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes. One of the highlights is Dham, a traditional feast that is an integral part of the state’s celebrations. Dham is a vegetarian meal served on leaf plates, comprising a series of dishes like rice, rajma madra (kidney beans cooked in a yogurt-based gravy), chana madra (chickpeas in yogurt), and mash dal. The meal often starts with the serving of rice and madra, followed by dal and a variety of vegetables cooked with local spices. Popular snacks include babru, a local version of kachori filled with black gram paste, and siddu, a steamed bread stuffed with a sweet or savoury filling. For sweets, guests are treated to delicacies such as mittha, a sweet rice dish cooked with raisins and dry fruits, and patande, a type of pancake. The food is often accompanied by local beverages like chhaas (buttermilk) or freshly brewed tea.

Jewellery & Accessories

Himachal Pradesh’s jewellery is renowned for its designs and meticulous craftsmanship. Local artisans specialise in techniques such as filigree work, repoussé metalwork, and stone setting, giving the jewellery its distinct allure.

For the Mehendi ceremony, the bride wears essential jewellery, including maangtikka, bangles, anklets, earrings, and necklaces. These ornaments are often crafted from gold or silver and studded with stones, semi-precious gems, pearls, and intricate filigree work.

The maangtikka adorns the bride’s forehead with a chain extending to the hairline. It typically has a pendant that rests on the forehead, symbolising wisdom and the third eye. The bride also wears gold or kundan necklaces paired with matching earrings. Bangles made from gold, glass, or lac are worn in abundance on both wrists as well as anklets, also known as payal.