‘Mehandi’ is an interesting ceremony solemnized a day or two before the wedding. On this day, the ritual of applying Henna or Mehandi is performed at the bride-groom's place. Bride’s hand and legs are covered with beautiful Henna motifs. Groom also applies the Mehandi in his hand. Weddings being the most important day in one’s life, Mehandi has become an ornament for the soon to be brides. There is, in fact, one whole ceremony dedicated to its celebration popularly known as Mehandi Ceremony or Mehandi Ki Raat.
Mehandi Ceremony is among the pre wedding rituals in Indian weddings performed a day prior to the marriage. Mehandi signifies beautification. Mehandi-Ki-Raat is usually a private affair with close relatives, friends and family members, celebrated amidst lot of dancing and feasting, interesting folklores and songs entertain the guests during the Mehandi. The atmosphere is imbued with dholak beats and singing of traditional songs while Mehandi is applied on brides hands and legs by Mehandi experts.
The bride's Mehandi interweaves the name of her would be husband and he is expected to find his name in the pattern. Even the color of Mehandi is given high importance in Indian culture as the darkness of the color signifies the degree of husbands and mother-in-laws love. It depicts love and affection between the couple as it is believed that the longer it retains, the more auspicious it is. The bride is traditionally not allowed to work in her husband’s home until her Mehandi’s color fades away completely.