Indian Wedding Mehndi Tradition

By Kam

Mehndi (also known as Henna), refers to a paste made from henna powder and water, which is then applied on the skin as a form of art (like an impermanent tattoo).

Mehndi is applied on the skin of various occasions. For this post, we are focusing on the mehndi ceremony for an Indian wedding ceremony, where the paste is applied to the skin in intricate designs, which can range from simple patterns to more elaborate and detailed designs.

The ceremony is a festive occasion that involves the application of intricate henna designs on the hands and feet of the bride and her female relatives and friends. Typically, men are not invited. Although, depending on the family, some men may be invited.

In Indian weddings, the mehndi ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual that is usually held one or two days before the wedding itself. The ceremony is typically held at the bride’s house, and is a festive and joyous occasion that is meant to bring together the bride’s family and friends to celebrate the upcoming wedding.

Here are some of the typical activities that take place at a mehndi party

Application of the Mehndi

The main activity of the mehndi party is the application of henna designs on the hands and feet of the bride, as well as her female relatives and friends. Mehndi artists are usually hired for the event, and they use cones filled with henna paste to create intricate designs that can take several hours to complete. If you plan on getting mehndi done, be prepared to wait multiple hours for your mehndi to dry.

Music and Dance

2. A variety of delicious foods and drinks are served at mehndi parties. Food items can include traditional snacks and sweets, as well as more substantial dishes like biryani or kebabs. Depending on the family, there may or may not be alcoholic drinks. At a bare minimum, usually Indian chai, juices, and soft drinks are the types of drinks that are served.

Food and Drinks

3. A variety of delicious foods and drinks are served at mehndi parties. Food items can include traditional snacks and sweets, as well as more substantial dishes like biryani or kebabs. Depending on the family, there may or may not be alcoholic drinks. At a bare minimum, usually Indian chai, juices, and soft drinks are the types of drinks that are served.

Gift Exchange

4. For some families, it is customary for the bride and groom to exchange gifts with their respective families at the mehndi party. Guests may also bring gifts for the bride, which are usually in the form of cash, jewelry, or other items.

Overall, a mehndi party is an exciting and festive occasion that celebrates the upcoming wedding and brings together the bride’s family and friends for a night of music, dance, food, and henna.

What to wear

Now that you know what to expect at a mehndi ceremony, you may also be wondering what to wear.

For female guests attending an Indian wedding mehndi ceremony, it is common to wear traditional Indian attire, such as a saree or a salwar kameez. A saree is a long piece of cloth draped around the body and can be worn in many different styles. It is usually accompanied by a blouse or choli and a petticoat or underskirt. A salwar kameez consists of a long tunic top (kameez) and loose pants (salwar) that are gathered at the ankle. It can also be accompanied by a dupatta, a long scarf that is draped over the head or shoulders.

Bright and colorful outfits are often favored for Indian weddings, and it is common to wear clothing with intricate embroidery, beading, or other embellishments. It is also important to keep in mind that the mehndi ceremony is a joyous and festive occasion, so dressing up in a way that reflects that mood is appropriate.

In terms of footwear, it is a good idea to wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as it is customary to remove shoes before entering the area where the mehndi is being applied. Overall, the key is to choose clothing that is respectful of the cultural traditions of the wedding and that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

If you’re not familiar with South Asian culture, and have any other questions about the mehndi ceremony, feel free to ask in this Facebook community.