Reserved for family and those in the bridal party.
Dress Code: Casual Cocktail, Indian attire optional.
The Mystical Meaning of “Mehndi”
It is believed that Mehndi is a way to make the sacred visible to the eye, thus offering and receiving blessings from the divine through the practice.
What is it?
- A lovely camaraderie shared amongst the generations of women taking part in the ritual, spanning thousands of years.
- Intricate orange and brown designs that are hand-painted with such skill and reverence.
The meaning of Mehndi:
- The Hindu word “Mehndi” is used to describe the Henna plant, the art of henna painting, and the intricate designs used in the actual paintings.
- It is an ancient form used for the beautification and conditioning of the bride and is part of the 16 Adornments of a Hindu Bride.
- Leaves from the henna plant are made into a paste which is used in celebratory rituals all over the world, like Egypt and India.
- It is believed that Mehndi is a way to make the sacred visible to the eye, thus offering and receiving blessings from the divine through the practice.
- For thousands of years, Indians have been devoted to the art of ornament and adornment. Rigorous study, experimentation and craft are exemplified in the Mehndi designs.
- In india, the quest for the perfect ornament and adornment is tandem to the quest to describe the human spirit. Through these designs, the Spirit is made tangible.
- The beauty of a women’s creativity is celebrated through the practice of Mehndi.
Mehndi Party:
- Pre-wedding celebration in Hindu culture where the bride has the Mehndi “stain” applied to the palms, back of hands, and feet.
- Typically held a day or two before the wedding, Mehndi often has a lounge feel to it, with comfortable pillows, plenty of food and music. Guests are normally dressed in casual clothing, lenghas or kurtas.
- Usually only women on both side of the aisle attend, along with friends and other female family members.
A Way to Predict the Future:
- In addition to their timeless beauty, Mehndi is used as a way to predict the future, usually about love, marriage and children.
- If the colour of the henna is dark orange, it means the marriage will be a long and loving one.
- The darkness or lightness of the henna reveals the level of protection that the Gods will give the couple during their union.