The Mendhi Ceremony – Party Time For The Girls

One of the most important ceremonies in an Indian wedding is the mendhi, which is really party time for the girls. However, apart from being a fun ritual before the wedding, it also has a cultural significance.

The word mendhi has a variety of spellings, but actually comes from the Sanskrit word mendhika which directly refers to the henna plant from which the dye comes. Mendhi is the oldest known form of body art and it is said that Cleopatra used it on her body. Certainly, traces of henna have been found on mummies.

Of course, in order to carry out the ceremony according to the best traditions, it requires the bride to sit on a mendhi stage, and there are companies that provide mendhi stages hire. Mendhi stages hire can consist of a very elaborate mendhi stage covered with drapes and flowers, with something such as a chaise longue on which the bride-to-be can relax as the mendhi artist paints her hands, arms, and feet in the intricate combination of designs that are possible. Somewhere in among all the intricate work she will include the groom's name or initials which he has to find on the wedding night. If he is successful, it is said that he will be the dominant one in the marriage, but if not, the dominant one will be the bride. 


The mendhi represents the holy bond of matrimony and is considered a shagun, which is a sign of good luck. It demonstrates love and affection between the couple and also between their families. The darkness of the mendhi on the bride's hands is said to show love and understanding between the bride and her future mother-in-law, and it is also said to be a representation of fertility. In addition, the longer the mendhi stays on the bride's hands, the stronger the marriage will be.

Over the years, the traditional mendhi patterns have become ever more intricate and decorative, and there are many different types of design.

In order to make the party go with a swing, you need a specialist company for mendhi stages hire which will set the bride-to-be as the centre of attraction for the all-day ceremony, which can go on into the evening with a lot of singing and dancing. It is a special day and a special ceremony in keeping with ancient tradition.

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