Mehndi

Women in India are particularly beautiful. They wrap themselves in decadent colors, bear the weight of jewels on their toes, ankles, fingers, wrists, necks, ears, noses, and even hair, pinch a bindi between their eyes, and paint their bodies with Mehndi.  It is a muslim tradition that has been happily adapted by the hindu community and is a must for celebrations, especially weddings.  

Applying Mehndi takes great skill and concentration as the fast drying dye is unforgiving.

While comparing our mehndi in a park in Jaipur one of us mentioned, "Same, same! But, different!" 

slowly tracing lines along life and heart delicate lotuses and vines swirling highlighting sex making it darker fuller with lush leaves more beautiful than reality dots leading a path to fate circling, spiraling the head ringed in memories stained lines to tell stories each a mark of where skin has touched skin                 "Mehndi" by Eila Mahima Jaipaul

Above: statue in Mumbai

Below: Sometimes women have only the tips of their fingers dyed. When asked why, they usually say, "beautiful, no?"

 

Above: during her brother's Janoi celebration

Below: traditional mehndi of the Adivasi community

Above: jewels in hand

Below: little ol me

Above: ink on skin

Below: marni

Brides sit for up to 7 hours getting detailed designs traced on their bodies and are then unable to move, its frowned upon to smear the dye, for another 2 to 5 hours. Its a task.  But the result is beautiful, elegant and something that bonds women from all over India.

sister of the groom

There is a dance party breaking out in the office- gottttta go!