Sunday - Mehndi

At 10 a.m. Nitya’s close female friends and family members applied yellow Haldi onto her skin. We applied the paste from her feet upwards onto the rest of her body. Haldi is composed of turmeric powder; Indians believe it gives the bride a vibrant glow for their wedding events.
By noon, the mehndi artists began applying henna to Nitya’s hands and feet. Henna is drawn onto the hands and feet of the bride because that is where the color will be darkest since that skin contains higher levels of keratin which binds well with the henna. We all took turns feeding Nitya and keeping her company while the mehndi artists completed their elaborate work – it took them 3 hours to complete.
The entire evening was filled with a LARGE variety of wonderful foods and entertainment. The guests and I enjoyed Delhi’s famous singer, Anamika, along with astrologers, taro card readers, henna artists, airbrush tattoo artists, and free bangles to match our outfits.
Here’s a picture of Muskan and I at the party. She’s been the key to my heart since I have arrived. :0)