Mehndi Pt. 1

The Mehndi is probably the most anticipated event for almost everybody attending a Pakistani wedding. This event is generally hosted by the bride’s family where they host a night of color, music and dance to celebrate the nuptials of their loved ones. The grooms family enters the wedding hall and is greeted by the bride’s family. They will be entering with large trays that will hold gifts for the bride for her wedding. They will enter with the bridal outfit, her jewellery, and small gifts for the bride as she will be entering her new home. The groom sits on stage where he is anticipating the arrival of his new bride. The bride will enter the event either on top of a Dholi, which is a wooden object where the bride is seated and is carried by men into the event. Another option for the bride to enter the event would be under a bed of flowers or a long material. Close male family members would hold the end of these. The bride will enter with her bridesmaids, whom each will be carrying small tea light candles or big trays filled with sweets and treats. The groom will leave the stage and come receive the bride from her family and take her to their seats. Straight away, the families will start the traditions, also known as the rasams. The families with each go up to the bride and groom and take some money and make a round of the bride and groom and feed them a smarty as this will be taking out all the bad omens for the bride and groom. The money will be given to charity at the end of the night. After all the family members completed this tradition, dinner is served. The food at this event is traditional Pakistani Street food which is served throughout the night. Immediately after dinner, the guests are told to take their seats as the dances will be beginning shortly.