There is an everlasting bond between the Indian weddings and rituals. It is almost impossible to imagine Indian weddings without the rituals and customs.Since India is a land of diverse states and religions, here you can find out innumerable choice in terms of celebrating weddings. Uttarakhand is one such state where people are deeply rooted in their customs and traditions.The state is known for the distinct way of performing wedding practices. The holy land is basically occupied by Kumaon people and hence all the cultures and traditions are designed by this community. Today here we are going to tell you about one of the most glamorous and fun loving customs.i.e Mehandi.Unlike other Hindu wedding ceremonies, the Mehandi ceremony is the prominent one. This ceremony is performed a day before the D-day. It is one of the 16 adornments(Shringaar) of a woman.The beautiful bride adorns the intricate designs of henna on her hands, arms, and feet. Even the groom have to put the henna design to decorate his hands. While performing this ceremony, women sing Mangal Geet and bride and her female relatives has to wear Rangwali Picchora (Odhani of orange color with red dots imprinted on it).
This entire ceremony is a gleesome, fun- filled and enjoyable event accompanied by the family members, relatives, and close friends.Apart from being a pre- wedding ceremony, this ritual has a cultural significance too and a myth is also associated with this ceremony. According to Hindu mythology, it is said that the Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva used Mehandi to attract and please her husband and Lord Shiva responded so strongly to goddess Parvati’s charms, that Mehandi became associated with the marital fortune and Sexual desire.The henna plant is believed to have magical powers, hence used in marriage ceremony during a transition from separation to the union of two souls.Mehandi is the art of beautification and expression of love. Mehandi is beautiful and has the deeper meaning, myths, and origins. Henna is also used as a way to predict future. Color, quality, and intensity of Mehandi signify the love felt between the two people. It’s a belief that if the color of the Mehandi is dark than the bond and love is deep and strong between the couples.
The designs of Mehandi are very intricate and often hidden within the Mehandi pattern the name or initials of the groom are applied. Darkness or lightness of the color also reveals the level of protection that the god will give the couple during their union. It’s a belief that Henna is a guard to against misfortune.The beautiful art form applied during special festivals like Karwa Chauth, Teej, Raksha Bandhan, and in Hindu weddings.