Mehndi Ceremony is one of the important pre-wedding rituals in India. During this ceremony the bride’s hands and feet are embellished with exquisite designs using the herbal paste called Mehndi
which leaves a deep crimson coloration on the skin.
The Mehndi Ceremony is held one or two days prior to the wedding. The bride is first purified through the Haldi ceremony, following which the design work starts. Usually professional designers, called ‘mehndiwallis,’ are summoned for embellishing the bride. The paste of Mehndi, which symbolizes the auspiciousness of event, is applied on the hands and feet in a decorative manner. The designs are restricted to the traditional motifs. Along with the bride, her friends and female relatives also adorn themselves with the Mehndi. The ceremony is accompanied by traditional music and dance.