COLOUR YOUR HANDS WITH MEHENDI!

SIGNIFICANCE OF APPLYING

MEHENDI IN HINDU MARRIAGES

www.boldsky.com - The wedding season is going on in India. In Hindu marriages, several cultures have different customs that vary from state to state (rather village to village). These rituals have been passed on through ages and is still carrying forward to next generation. In Hindu marriages, you can find few things in common. For example, engagement, mehendi, wedding and reception are few common ceremonies that are commonly followed in all most all parts of the country. Mehendi is a pre-wedding ceremony that is very popular in the Northern states of the country. However, the trend of applying mehendi on the hands and feet has become a common trend in the East, West and Southern states too. Earlier, mehendi was applied as nua (colouring fingertips and center of palm) but with the trend of drawing, it has become an art. Well, there are some significances of applying mehendi in Hindu marriages. These are some of them:

Bond of matrimony: Mehendi signifies the bond of matrimony. It is considered as a shagun in Hindu marriages. Mehendi was originally used only during weddings. But with the growing popularity and importance of mehendi, women have started applying it on special Hindu occasions and festivals like Karva Chauth, Navratri, Rakhi and Diwali. 
Colour of love: It is believed that the colour of mehendi signifies the love of the partner. In few cultures, the mehendi colour also shows the love you will get from your mother-in-law. Holy: Only married women are allowed to apply mehendi and spread the colour of a married life. 
Spread joy and celebrate culture: Mehendi ceremony has become a grand celebration in many Hindu marriages. Protect brother: In few cultures, mehendi has a significance on brother and sister relationship. Women apply mehendi on the back of the palm for their brothers. If a woman has a brother, it is mandatory to apply mehendi on the back of the palm.

A Hindu wedding is a combination of traditions and rituals. It is a ceremony from the Vedic times and it is often an elaborate affair. There are few points of significance for applying mehendi in Hindu marriages. Mehendi, as a part of a shagun (gifts given in special occasions), it is considered an integral item of suhag (Indian wedding). It is considered that a Hindu wedding is not just a relationship of two individuals and their two families; rather, it is a relationship of two human beings with their Creator. Marriage is very important because is a unique opportunity to learn how to serve. Working for his or her family and not for oneself is a great sacrifice, which produces a nice result if you do it right: Krishna-conscious children. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

There is a close association between Hinduism and fine arts. ... The rich display of fine art in jewelry and costume designs in Hindu society has been accorded great respect. The ancient tradition of householders drawing beautifully colored patterns on their doorsteps, known as rangoli or kolamas, is evidence of the involvement of the common man in fine arts. Another equally exciting Hindu custom involves painting the hands and feet of women with intricate designs, using an herbal product, henna (mehendi). This custom has caught the attention of many Westerners. Called the “temporary tattoo,” it has become a fashion fad in many places. Art is accepted as an integral part of the Hindu home and community. Every Hindu family strives to perfect an art or craft to refine and adore the social pattern. Fine arts truly are a way of life in Hindu culture.

Dr. Hiro Badlani :
“Hinduism - Path of the Ancient Wisdom”
Chapter 56: "Hinduism and Fine Arts"
http://hinduismpath.com/
http://hinduismpath.com/book-contents/chapter-56/

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/