Muslim · Pre-wedding

Mehndi (Muslim)

A festive henna celebration, traditionally held separately by the bride's and groom's families.

Also known as: mehndi, mehadi, henna night

What it means

Henna is applied to the bride amid music, sweets, and celebration as a symbol of joy, beauty, and blessings for the marriage.

What happens

  1. 1The bride's hands and feet are decorated with intricate henna.
  2. 2Female relatives sing and dance; the groom's side often sends mehndi and gifts.
This explanation is under review by a religious authority — a companion to, not a replacement for, your qazi or imam.

More Muslim rituals

Mangni
The formal engagement where the couple exchanges rings and the families agree to the union.
Nikah
The Islamic marriage contract — the couple consents before witnesses and the Nikahnama is signed.
Rukhsati
The bride's farewell as she departs with the groom after the Nikah.
Walima
The reception feast hosted by the groom's family to celebrate the marriage publicly.
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