Bhaktisandesam / Mehendi : Dye for Hindu Marriage

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'Mehendi' is a Synonym for Hindu Wedding

 

 

The Hindu marriage season is a special time for Henna tattoos

or 'Mehendi'. Although Mehendi is generally used in many Hindu

festivals and celebrations, there's no doubt that Hindu wedding has

become synonymous with this beautiful reddish dye. Hindus often use

the term 'Mehendi' interchangeably with marriage, and Mehendi is

considered among the most auspicious 'ornaments' of a married woman.

 

What is Mehendi? (Mylanji in Malayalam)

 

Mehendi (Lawsonia inermis) is a small tropical shrub, whose leaves

when dried and ground into a paste, give out a rusty-red pigment,

suitable for making intricate designs on the palms and feet. The dye

has a cooling property, and no side effects on the skin. Mehendi is

extremely suitable for creating intricate patterns on various parts

of the body, and a painless alternative to permanent tattoos.

 

No Mehendi, No Marriage!

Mehendi is not just a way of artistic expression, sometimes it's a

must! A Hindu wedding includes a number of religious rites before and

during the nuptials, and Mehendi play a vital role in it, so much so

that no Indian marriage is considered complete without it! The

reddish brown color of Mehendi - which stands for the prosperity that

a bride is expected to bring to her new family - is considered most

auspicious for all wedding-related ceremonies.

 

The Mehendi Ritual

A day before her wedding, the girl and her female folks gather for

the Mehendi ritual - a ceremony traditionally marked by joie de

vivre - during which the bride-to-be embellish their hands, wrists,

palms and feet with the lovely red hue of the Mehendi. Even the

groom's hand, especially in Rajasthani weddings, is decorated with

Mehendi patterns.

 

Outside Marriage

Mehendi is very popular with both men and women also as a conditioner

and dye for the hair. Mehendi is also applied during the various

vratas and fasts observed by married women. Even gods and goddesses

are seen to adorn Mehendi designs. A large dot in the centre of the

hand, with four smaller dots at the sides is an oft seen Mehendi

pattern on the palms of Ganesha and Lakshmi.

Mehendi is also used in various Ayurvedic preparations.

 

 

Jai Shree Krishna !