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Mehendi
The Mehendi ceremony is a deeply symbolic event that celebrates the bride’s impending union with her groom. From the ancient roots of this custom to the elaborate fashion choices of the bride and groom, the Mehendi ceremony is a perfect blend of tradition and celebration. It is known for its intricate henna designs, lively music, and joyous gatherings of family and friends. Typically held a day or two before the wedding, it is one of the most colourful and lively pre-wedding rituals. It’s a time when the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna designs. The ceremony begins with the bride sitting in a central position, often surrounded by her closest family members and friends. As the professional Mehendi artist begins applying the henna, women in the family often start singing traditional folk songs that speak of love, marriage, and happiness. These songs set the mood for the ceremony and build excitement for the wedding to come. The design process itself can take several hours, especially since the bride’s hands, arms, and feet are often covered with elaborate, intricate patterns. These designs often include symbols of luck, fertility, and love – such as peacocks, flowers, and swirls. In many traditions, the groom’s initials are hidden somewhere within the design, adding a playful element to the ceremony. After the wedding, the groom is tasked with finding these initials, an activity that serves as an icebreaker. During the Mehendi application, friends and relatives of the bride may also get smaller designs on their hands, as the ceremony is as much a celebration for the family as it is for the bride. Once the Mehendi is applied, the bride must wait for it to dry and darken, as the depth of colour is believed to symbolise the strength of the love between the bride and groom. It’s said that the darker the Mehendi, the stronger the bond between the couple. Traditionally, the ceremony also involves light-hearted dancing and singing, with the bride often joining in once her Mehendi has dried.
Cultural Significance
Mehendi is not merely a decorative art form in Punjab, Delhi and Chandigarh weddings; it carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. The application of henna is believed to protect the bride from evil spirits and bad luck. In ancient Indian culture, henna was also associated with bringing good fortune, fertility, and blessings to the couple as they embarked on their journey together.
It provides an opportunity for the bride to spend time with her closest female relatives and bridesmaids.
Fashioning Tradition
Brides usually opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton, silk, or chiffon for the Mehendi ceremony, as it allows them to sit comfortably during the long application process. One popular choice is the Lehenga, a long skirt paired with a matching blouse and a dupatta (scarf). Alternatively, brides may choose a Sharara or Anarkali dress, both of which offer an elegant yet comfortable option for this occasion. The bride’s outfit is often embroidered with gold or silver threads and adorned with mirror work, sequins, or intricate patterns, making her the centre of attention at this joyful event.
Grooms, while traditionally not as involved in the Mehendi ceremony as the bride, are also starting to make fashion statements during the event. They usually wear a Kurta Pajama in light pastel shades like mint green, beige, or sky blue to complement the bride’s attire. While the groom doesn’t typically have Mehendi applied to his hands, in some modern weddings, grooms get small designs on their palms as a romantic gesture.
Jewellery & Accessories
For the Mehendi ceremony, brides typically wear floral jewellery. These are delicate pieces made from fresh flowers like jasmine, roses, and marigolds, which are crafted into earrings, and even tiaras. The floral jewellery not only adds to the festive, colourful vibe of the event but also contrasts beautifully with the henna designs. Some brides may also opt for light gold or silver jewellery, such as necklaces, earrings, and anklets, to add a touch of elegance to their Mehendi outfit.
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