Henna (Mehndi) and the Auspicious Art of Matrimony

Wedding season and Summer is here! It is a time to be joyous and to practice timeless traditions that bring happiness, good fortune and benevolence. Henna undoubtedly is a key element for lavish Vedic weddings. I got to know just the recipe for a healthy and prosperous marriage. It begins with a mixing the ground leaves of the Henna plant, Lawsonia Inermis, with water. Add in a small amount of folk wedding songs and one very blissful Henna artist (that is me!). Good luck to the bride and groom is certain to rise from the occasion.

Lawsonia Inermis is a small shrubbery like plant that grows natively in hot weather where there is little moisture. The leaves of the plant and natural additives for different color variations are mixed together, into a paste and it is then applied to the body. Traditionally Henna was applied to the hands and feet as a way to cool the body. Ancient pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses such as Ganesha and Laxmi are depicted with red circles on their palms and souls of their feet. Henna used for decoration is ancient and auspicious. The reddish brown color stands for prosperity that a bride is expected to bring her family. Even Parvati, the wife of beloved Shiva was heard of adorning herself with Henna as a “decoration to charm her husband away from his normal stance of brooding meditation.” There are many different stories from where the intricate art form originated. Knowingly It was brought into the western region of India through the Mogul Empire (1526-1857). Historians claim that the rich and ruling class used these beautifying techniques during this time. Today it is one of the most auspicious ornaments of a married woman.

The intensity of the color of the Henna radiates the love of the bridegroom for the bride. The initials of the groom are weaved into the intricate design. A small game is played that if the groom is able to find his initials in the design then they will have great relations throughout their married life. Juicy secretes such as this, as well as other facts, healing properties and other gems are taught during Henna bridal parties, workshops and lectures.

What is so special about my technique? It’s all in the family and my relationship to the practice.
I am born in Ahmadabad in the state of Gujarat, and first developed love for this art attending weddings with my aunt at the sweet age of 7. My aunt would take me around to assist her while creating beautiful designs. This hobby is not only a great passion, but also helped to pay for my tuition through my college days. Apart from being a renowned well accomplished artist, I also holds a Masters of Geology degree from India and a Masters of Geophysics degree from the University of Oregon.
I am currently based in Los Angeles, CA and Houston, TX and practices Henna regularly. It takes 6-8 hours to complete the decoration for a bride to be. The 8 hours becomes a meditation for me. It brings great joy to do both complicated and simple patterns. While engaged in the process of creating beauty it brings back inside of my inner self. It’s through this artistic passion that I am able to keep close to myself while bringing beauty to another person. This season gearing up will be a very busy time with the many weddings, fairs and festivals where Henna is sought after. I am happy with the western response to this sacred art and feels that it bridges the gap between cultures. It is something that everyone can open up to and enjoy.

To book a Henna party, workshop or lecture, you can email me at info@BlissfulHenna.com… or stop by my website at www.BlissfulHenna.com.

FAQ's about Henna

1. What is henna ?
Henna powder is made from a shrub known as "Lawsonia Inermis" in botany or ‘Henna- Mehendi- Mendi’ in common language. It is widely harvested in South Asia, Middle Eastern countries and North Africa.The leaves are dried and grounded to form a fine powder which is used as a natural cosmetic to dye skin, nails and hair. Hennotannic acid in henna powder has a magical property of bonding with the collagen in skin and keratin in hair and nails to produce a reddish brown stain.
2. Why some designs in Gallery section of www.BlissfulHenna.com look black, some look reddish brown and some look multi colored or glittery ?
We use 100% natural henna powder is mixed with lemon juice and essential oils to form a fine paste which looks greenish black. The designs in Gallery section which look black are with henna paste still ON.We don’t use so called ‘black henna’ which is nothing but an extremely harmful product for skin. Read our Black henna warning. Those pictures which look reddish brown are taken after getting a stain.
3. Is it painful to get henna tattoo done ?
No, its ticklish and relaxing experience.Henna paste calms you by extracting the excess heat in your body.
4. Is it permanent ?
No, henna tattoo is temporary and stays on your skin for about 8-10 days depending on your skin type and use of water after getting a stain.
5. Do you get allergic reaction ?
Henna is the safest natural cosmetic and people hardly get any reaction. But if you are allergic to tea tree oil or lavender fragrance, please inform the artist in advance.If you want to do a henna patch test before getting henna artwork, the artists can also provide you the free trials.
6. Where do you get the darkest stain?
On palms, soles and heels henna stains really very dark. Stratum corneum is the outermost membrane of our skin. Palms and soles have 50 cell layers of stratum corneum where as the heels tops the stratum corneum chart with almost 86-120 layers . More the layers, darker is the stain.