Eastern culture and traditions

Ramadan Kareem

2020-05-17T22:41:00.001-07:00

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year in Islamic culture. Muslims observe the month of Ramadan, to mark that Allah or God, gave the first chapters of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad . During Ramadan, Muslims fast, abstain from pleasures and pray to become closer to God. It is also a time for families to gather and cele

Ramadan is also a month of increased worship and prayer, reading and recitation of the Quran, religious devotion and spiritual reflection, self-examination and charity to the poor. It is said that the spiritual rewards reaped for such intensive extra efforts during Ramadan are greatly multiplied.The daily fast is broken at sunset with an evening meal known as iftar. Often a community meal, iftar is frequently a chance for social gathering and religious fellowship throughout Ramadan but in this year we will be with immediate family because of this unknow dangerous virus.

Fasting during Ramadan is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars, or duties, form the basis of how Muslims practice their religion.

What the Pillars of Islam are:

Shahada: faith in the Islam religion,

Salat: pray five times per day facing the direction of Mecca,

Zakat: give support to the needy,

Sawm: fast during Ramadan, and

Hajj: make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during one's lifetime.

What is fasting?

During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink: Muslims must also refrain from smoking, taking oral medications and engaging in sexual activities, as well as gossip, fighting and lying. It is a reminder that a person is not just a physical body but a soul as well.so In Ramadan Muslim try to purify their body & soul.

Muslims practice fasting upon reaching puberty. Some people are exempted, such as those who are ill or frail; women who are pregnant, lactating or menstruating; and travelers.Fasting during Ramadan is a time for Muslims to commit themselves more to God and render "great services to the community in terms of helping the poor, assisting the needy and sharing whatever one has with others,"

In addition to fasting every muslin must offer five daily prayers; and engaging in zakat, or acts of kindness and charity Making Dua & Asking forgiveness from Allah (Subhan Tala)for all his or her sins .

Breaking the fast

Muslims intending to fast wake up early and eat a light meal, known as suhoor, before dawn. Suhoor is typically consumed about half an hour before dawn, in time for the fajr, or morning, prayer After the sun fully sets at the end of each day, the person typically breaks his or her fast with water and dates, followed by prayers and then a meal called iftar.

Many mosques around the world host interfaith celebrations to break the fast, according to Pohl. This allows everyone to reflect on shared experiences within their own traditions involving fasting, including spiritual growth and social responsibility. "On several occasions Christian participants in these events tell me that they have regained an appreciation and deeper understanding of similar practices in their own faith traditions, such as during the Advent season or Lent."

End of Ramadan & Eid Celebrations

At the end of Ramadan, a three-day spiritual celebration known as Eid al-Fitr occurs. During this time, Muslims rejoice in the completion of the fast. Family members and friends gather to share in feasts and prayers. During Eid al-Fitr, it is customary to donate to the poor and disadvantaged. During the three days, Muslims attend prayers in the morning, and then visit family, friends, neighbors, the sick and the elderly. Feasts are shared with family and friends and small gifts are given; it's socially similar to Christmas in the United States,

A Ramadan, coffee evening with American women association. Kausar & Nabeela presented the above presentation to our non Muslim friends.

Brotherhood

mostly every house is decorated

Ramadan celebration with friends in Bahrain.

Pakistan Handicrafts

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Brass Lamps

custom decor for Easter 2017

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Center piece with rice paper flowers

2012-05-25T07:15:00.002-07:00

Passion for kite flying in air -Basant

2012-04-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Basant, a spring festive or Jashan-e Baharan ,spring celebration

Passion for kite flying in air

Heritage includes events, festivals, celebrations, personalities, cultures, customs, tradition, language, art, architect, etc. Pakistan has many hertiages attractions & festivals to celebate through out the year.Basant is one of them.this is a beautiful event with sky flooded with kites. For this occasion men drape themseves in embroidered shalwar kameeze(local dress) with matching ankle-length scarve mostly in yellow color and on the other hand womenfolk apply heena on their handsand stack their arms with banglesand dress in bright color of yellow or green.

In early March to welcome the arrival of spring the Basant ( Kite flying ) festival is held in most cities of the Pakistan with the highlight in Lahore . In the subcontinent and China kites have been used in different form since ancient times. From 100 BC to AD 500, kites were used for sending signals and to measure the distance of enemy camps. In AD 930, the Japanese mentioned Shiroshi, meaning paper bird, for the first time. Between AD 960 to AD 1126, kite flying became a popular sport in China. The ninth day of the ninth month was a day when kites were flown to banish evil.

As the month of March approches a air of basant carnival ,stories of kite flying,rooftop soirees,garden parties and flowers blooming everywhere.The ancient eastern city of Lahore marks the beginning of spring with the Basant carnival is most celebrated and watched but whole country also participated.lets go back to the history when nighttime kite-flying in the walled old quarter around the 16th century Badshahi mosque and Lahore fort opens the festival. Ancient mughal palaces throw open their doors for all-night parties to view the kites, illuminated by and then slashing the sky with specail classical Qawali musicians at parties.now a days same old tradition take place when white paper kites shimmer in the night sky, diving and soaring as rival fliers joust in duels marked by battle cries of Pecha!(twist) and victory shouts of voh kata!(cut off) Bursts of drums and trumpets mark the cutting of a kite's cord.during this season there use to be a lot of rush at kite shops, especially in old Lahore and Karachi Empress market as children and men gathered to purchase their favourite coloured kites and string. The festival is a part of the country culture. A number of special dishes are also prepared for the occasion. Basant is an event of colors and lights. The dance of kites in lights would be visible to everyone who would look up at the sky. In Pakistani old towns and cities, where there is less open space, terraces and rooftops are often used for the kite competations. It is more colourful in the old city of Lahore where everyone wears yellow clothes and flies kites from the rooftops. People from different cities throng to Lahore, where kite flying begins at dawn and continues until the dusk. Friends, neighbors and visitors battle one another for victory and cries of triumph fill the air when one cuts the kite string of the another kite flyer. The kites are in a variety of shapes , size and different colours. From huge kites which need three to four people to fly to tiny ones for the kids. So in short one can say that happiness can be found in sharing and enjoying this simple occaision with laughter and happiness .

Hand embroidery

2011-12-13T06:08:00.000-08:00

Hand embroidery on tunic using button hole stitch and french knot then add mirror in flower center.

East World Market Studio

2011-12-06T19:26:00.001-08:00

East World Market
Studio
hand embroidery using stitches buttonhole & shadow work.

Sequence and crystal work by EWM

2011-11-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Sequence and crystal work done by hand and it’s a very time consuming task but creativity is pass to one generation and to another generation. Artisans work in team of two or four and finish the whole project in a week time. Mostly they create saris, shawls and tunic or kamiz & dupattas (scarf).so order your dress at ewmkt@yahoo.com

Motif from Mughal inspiration

2011-10-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

Celebrating heritage through motif designs

2011-10-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Celebrating heritage through motif designs

The legacy continues at East World Market design studio

The traditional crafts are found in every region of Pakistan with rich Mughal style and Islamic art form. With its emphasis on perfect synchronization, perfect balance and correct depicted floral and geometric patterns is predominated in Pakistani designs. It can be seen in different form of architecture to textile. Window and door grills and gates in Pakistan has very distinguished patterns so is the glazed tiles of different motifs found in pre and post historical period of Mughals, Indus civilization, Gandhara Civilization ,Islamic Period and Sikh Period.

Some of the most prominent designs are

Carrey or Paisley motif

This Is a droplet shaped vegetable (mango seed) motif and that also filled with geometrical lines and patterns sometimes it’s also called as Persian pickles. This is a very popular design in other countries also like Iran, India and central Asian countries. Paisley designs are used using gold or silver threads on silk and other textile. In Pakistan, these pattern are widely termed as the Carrey ,it’s the mango sometime also called as Ambia or Ambi.

Jaldar (netted) Motif
This is a repetition of the geometric motif. Mostly using circle, square, triangle and lines

Then there are motifs according to the regions

Mehran motif

The Indus Valley Civilization, traces can be seen in the ruins Moen-jo-Daro, situated in the Sindh, which has an ancient and rich tradition motifs. Hala tile work is one of the most striking representations of a craftsmanship that transforms clay into an object of undying beauty and art piece. Exquisitely adorned with electric blue and white floral patterns and motifs, the Hala craft signifies a labor of love and a passion for perfection as each piece is manufacture by hands.

Baluchi motif

Baluchi motif reflects the land of the thousands of years old Juniper Forests. The local craftsmanship reflects the proud Baluchi tribal tradition. The pattern is mostly bold geometric motifs in primary colors dominated by red and making it strikingly beautiful and colorful reflection of creativity is seen in the carpets and rugs woven with wool, goat or camel hair and mixed yarn. Each piece is handmade with century old pattern of weaving. Many carpet weaver use these motifs like elephant traceries, paisleys, four cornered motif called choukandi and there are rosette, sunflowers wheels and chrysanthemums, sun squares diamond triangles zigzags and crosses.

Punjabi style of motif shows that this is the land of the five rivers with its lush valleys and verdant plains the crafts of the Punjab have a rich and vibrant tradition from the 'royal' of Mughal, motifs of Mughal architecture depicting the richness and intricacy in their motif pattern and designs. The patterns and the motifs vary from floral designs to figures of birds to majestic elephants. Its historical buildings and gardens, the examples are available in Sheesh Mahal and Wazir Khan Mosque, beautiful architectural form showcasing the glasswork shimmering all day and night also the exquisite tile decoration work of its kind.

Frontier motif:

Frontier region are famous for its craftsmanship on textile and metal work with strong Greek influence from the days of Gandhara civilization. Flowering pattern called as the "Phulkari" that reflects a rich and colorful tradition of embroidery generally done on shawls, caps, long shirts and linen. There are often, vibrant geometric patterns and motifs all in primary colors, reflect exquisite work and precision of craftsmanship. The most commonly motifs found are calligraphic motifs, brick design in relief pattern on tiles and ornamental brick ,art trunk painting using folk art designs, kilims or carpet making all are rich in culture and heritage ,all motifs have had a unique quality and unique form the best part that they depict traditional designs.

EWM scarves

2011-10-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

Mirror and thread work

2011-10-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Tie dye or Bandhani

2011-10-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Tie and dye is one of the traditional dyeing styles in Pakistan, one of traditional form of tie dying began some 5000 years ago and called as bandhani or Chunri. This technique involves tying small dots with thread all over the fabric to create designs and motifs. After tying the fabric is dyed then the ties are removed and a beautiful pattern form on the fabric. Most popular material to use is cotton as its soft and easy to handle but now a day more fabric are used like silk, georgette, chiffon and Katan.

Let me tell you the method how the artisans of East World Market make beautiful scarves.

Mostly Artisans work from their homes with pieces of malmal (fine muslin), handloom or silk fabric. Usually the cloth is first bleached and then folded into two or four layers depending on the thickness of the cloth. An artisan with sense of designing and called in local language rangara or designer who marks the layout of the pattern on the material using wooden blocks dipped in geru, a burnt sienna color mixed with water. The artisans then begin to tie the cloth part which is not to be dyed. The folds of the material within the small motif are lifted and tied together. The material with the first set of ties is dyed yellow. There is also a process, of dyeing parts of the material by hand - lipai technique (surface dying). The material is again tied and dyed into red or green. If the border has to be darker all the lighter parts are tied and covered with plastics the edges are dyed with the required colors. Repeated tying and dyeing produces elaborate designs. There is another method in which the artisans first draw a pattern or design on a tracing paper and make holes with wool needle all over the design. The cotton cloth is bleached and silk is washed, the fabric to be dyed with this method is spread on a long table covered with old newspaper or rough paper sheet as underlay. In the been time another artisan make a mixture of red clay and kerosene oil and apply this on the tracing paper lying on the fabric. This is the pattern making or marks where the threads are tied on fabric.

Artisan use different ways to mark the pattern for tying sometimes they use the holes pattern method or use a wooden block to make the impression with detailed motif or tie lentils (dals )to get a star burst pattern, the fabric within the motif are lifted and tied after dying take place and they removed the ties threads by pulling the cloth and holding on both side when open a beautiful pattern form on the fabric with showing a ray of colors and white dots clearly seen making an impressive design.

The process of tie and dye in earlier times was done with the use of basic colors extracted from plants like the shellac was used for reds, turmeric for yellow, Iron shavings and vinegar for black, and pomegranate rinds for green but now they prefer to tie dye with dyes powders.

There are other methods to do tie dye without tying the fabric and just by folding the cloth into different angles. And it’s called the Leheria pattern - literally meaning waves. These are harmoniously arranged diagonal stripes, dye in the bright colors of yellow and red, green and blue or yellow.

In Pakistan different region has different patterns, designs. The dyeing and printing of textiles has become a highly developed craft in Pakistan.

Mostly these two type of dying are done on dupattas(scarves).This is the essence of the art form which need advance planning and detail work and then the intricate patterns show. This art form reflects an essence of royalty and is created as per the custom order from clients. In big and small cities of Pakistan you can see small dyers shop offering different type of printing and dying services on minimal charges.

Let’s discuss some of the easier designs first so that everyone can try them and become familiar with the different results.

To start, soak the fabric to be dyed in a soda ash solution (1/2 cup soda ash per gallon of water), agitating it for five to ten minutes. Remove the fabric and wring it out thoroughly; the fabric is then ready to fold. Tying cloth soaked in soda ash can be hard on the skin, so use tight gloves that give you dexterity such as surgical gloves. The right wetness is very important to the final results of the item. If the fabric is too wet, the dye becomes diluted and a washed-out look will result. If the item is too dry, the dye will not penetrate into the cloth and there will be large irregular white areas. If the items are tied dry, they can be dampened before dying. To test dampness, squeeze the item firmly. There should be no water dripping. Locals called different designs in their own language like charkhana, lehrai, boota &booti, bhandhi.

Spice box or Masala ka dabbah

2011-10-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Treasures from East

Spice Box or Masala ka dabbah

Pakistan cuisine has its distinctive flavors .The magic of Pakistani cooking is in the blending of spices. All spices have a particular function in a recipe. While some spices are for aroma, some are for flavor and some give body to your creations. Spice blends differ by region. One factor that influences the blend of spices for each region is the climate. In cold climates there is heavy use of spices that create heat, such as fennel, saffron and ginger powder. To stores these spices in a little box made of stainless steel or copper filled with all kind of spices and use to give Pakistani cuisine its distinctive flavors.

The use of spices in Pakistani cooking has developed over thousands of years. Some spices are native to the land while others are brought by Silk route traveler and been absorbed with local crops. Mostly Pakistani cooking start with whole spices are used for tempering. Powdered spices, along with onions and tomatoes, help create a base for gravies. In the process of cooking, spices need to be rapidly sprinkled onto food that’s cooking – it’s this speed factor that makes a ‘masala box’ so handy and a must for every kitchen and its has been a permanent place in every Pakistan kitchen for hundreds of years, a valued possession gifted to every bride setting up her new home. Traditionally, the masala box was made of wood or brass. Today, you’ll find lighter materials, the most favored being stainless steel, which retains flavors well and is easy to clean. Sometime it has a clear lid; inside a round box sit seven or eight small containers. There’s a close fitted lid to cover them and another lid for the outer box. The set also includes from 1 to 7 spoons, depending on the set. While the spices contained within the masala dabbah are a matter of personal taste some of the most commonly use spices include Cumin seeds, turmeric powder, mustard seeds, garam masala (blend of pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise, cardamom), coriander powder, fennel seeds and red chili powder Masala dabbah range in size and vary greatly in quality. Common sizes are from about 7" to 12" in diameter. It’s always good to stores larger quantities of spices elsewhere, but refills Masala Dabba with freshly ground or whole spices every few weeks. Use it to keeps things fresh, organized and convenient. While it's fine to store your spices in small jars, it's hard to cook Pakistani way. When oil is sizzling, you need to add spices fast. The small jar storage system is too difficult to manage when quick decisions need to be made for putting the spices.

While every region of Pakistan has its own specialized cuisine but one thing common is ‘spices ’. With minor variations, here’s what you’ll find in most masala boxes:

Turmeric

For cooking, the root of the plant is debarked, dried and powdered. Only a pinch of turmeric is used while cooking – for color (rather than flavor) and for its antiseptic, digestive qualities. Combined with other spices like cumin, black pepper and fenugreek, turmeric is a powerful bacteria and pathogen killer.

Chili

Chili is used as a spice for several reasons; its pungency stimulates the production of saliva. The enzyme amylase thus released helps break down the high starch content food. Chili is loaded with Vitamins A and C. It is also popularly associated with passion and fertility.

Coriander

Coriander is a native of Mediterranean, its valued for its cooling properties. Powdered coriander cuts the sharpness of chili and adds body and taste to the dish it is added to. It helps digestion and absorption of food.

Cumin

Cumin has an aromatic nature. And mostly use as roasted and ground. It’s good for digestion.

Garam Masala

A multi-spices blend is called garam masala (garam means hot) consists of cardamom, clove, cinnamon, bay leaf, dry ginger and peppercorns, among other ingredients. It’s especially suited to meat and chicken dishes, but equally features in various vegetarian preparations. In the right quantity, it adds a rich aroma and flavor.

Mustard

Mustard stimulates the appetite and aids in the production of gastric juices. Mustard seeds are spluttered in hot oil; the tempering is added to several dishes: gravies, sautéed veggies, chutney, buttermilk and rice dishes.

Fennel

You’ll find fennel seeds being served after a main meal, as a digestive and mouth freshener.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek, rich in iron and other nutrients gets included in curry powder, pastes, condiments and savory breads. It has cosmetic value as well. Fenugreek-infused oil helps darken hair. Yogurt-and-fenugreek is a natural hair conditioner.

so in short the an efficient organizer, a home remedy kit and a beauty treasure, all rolled into one, that’s the masala box in brief!

jewelry group of EWM artisans

2011-09-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

East World Market

Artisans of Jewelry group

Introduction of Pakistani jewelry or called as Zevarats

Pakistan is a land with vast treasure of arts & crafts and jewelry making is one of them. It’s a world of inspiration for the jewelry designs; one can go back to the Indus civilization. From that era the process jewelry making begins with shells, bone &stones then slow they move to bronze, copper, silver& gold.

From the historical background of Pakistan now world can see the beautiful products in gold and silver finely crafted into masterpieces using precious metals and gemstone. Craftsmen are called 'Sunar' and they have their own trade serects and craftsmanship techniques .they also deal in Gemstones and offer different type of metal jewelry. Pakistan has been gifted with abundant resources of several precious and semi-precious gemstones, at present mostly found in Northern Areas and NWFP, but with a huge future potential in Baluchistan. Most important of the currently found stones are emeralds of Mingora (Swat), pink and golden topaz of Katlang (Mardan) and aquamarine of Chitral and Neelam Valley. EWM artisans work on precious gemstone and manufacture all type of gemstone strings (necklaces) or bezel them into silver or gold to making rings, earrings or bangles and bracelets. Since all these artisans live in the mountains range and the raw material of gemstone are easily available to them at an amazing low prices.

East World Market women life style

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Glimpses in the life of Pakistani Women

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Glimpses in the life of Pakistani Women

Pakistani Women lives in two different regions i.e. urban and rural

In the urban living in big cities where the women are mostly educated and either take up a job different field or own a business. The Pakistani women of today enjoy a better status however different enlightened groups try to elevate the status of women in Pakistani society by giving training in skill development so they can earn extra money for the betterment of their families. As Women is half of this country's strength. Women are generally hard working, often taking care of the house and children as well as being involved in some type of work outside the house.EWM associates are from big cities but they work with hands and hands with our artisans living in the small villages.

Rural women lives are totally different atmosphere as Pakistan is an agriculture country so rural women also participates in the field work along with their men folk. Then to some women in parts of the world, working with thread has long been centuries old way to share their culture and traditions also life experience, and to earn a living. Weaving and embroidery are two important crafts practiced by Pakistani women. The women create folkloric embroideries of their daily lives and depict images such as harvesting the fields, feasts, and children playing to name just a few. Their embroideries, which can be used as wall hangings or cushion covers are quite heavily worked with stitches. Whole family share the project this means that sometimes a daughter will have to help with the weaving or embroidery work and sometimes a son or husband will do the design work. But the work is slow during the harvest season, religious occasions since they temporarily cease the crafts work.

Valima decoration of stage by Jasmina

2011-07-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Valima dinner party at groom house

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Dinner party at groom house

Valima is the last day of the wedding function, held by parents of the boy,they usually host the dinner, announcing the couple as husband and wife. The groom's family invites all of the bride's family and their family and friends to their home for a feast .it can be at a hotel ,house or marriage hall.

the purpose of function is to let bride or bride groom meet the new family and publicize their marriage. Bride wears a typical wedding dress and jewelry and groom wears a formal western suit. It’s more a family affair where the couple introduces each other relatives.

Rukhsati traditional Pakistani wedding

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After the barat arrivals and different ceremony like Nikah & dinner take place then finally the Rukhsati time come, the bride leave with groom and family for her new house, she leave under Holy Quran (holy book) held over her head as she leaves her parent house .this is sober occasion for the bride family and specially for her parents as it marks the departure of their daughter to her new home. Traditionally, the groom travels by a decorated horse to the bride's house and after the wedding ceremony takes bride in a doli (cart)to his house. Now days the horse and the cart are replaced by car, it is typical to see a quiet bride with wet eyes as she sits in the car beside her husband leaving for her new home.

The couple bedroom is decorated with fresh flowers and candles and special fruits and goodies trolley is arrange by the groom sisters. on the arrival of bride as a new family member the sisters of groom close the door of the house and ask the brother for money, it’s a fun activities where sisters specially younger one collect money and have party with that money with all cousins or buy a token jewelry.

Once the bride arrives in the house she is offered with special gifts by groom family members and some sweet dish (kheer) is offered to bride & groom. The elder sister in law or sister perform a trick on groom by put the kheer(sweet dish ) on bride palm and ask groom to eat that then move the palm as he come close. Pakistani wedding is more a family affair so everyone enjoy and have fun.

The groom is also played with different tricks by the bride sisters and the cousins, they take a good opportunity to steal the groom's shoes and demand a sum of money for the return. This is a very popular custom and the groom usually carries a lot of cash, due to the popularity of this custom. He pays the money to get back his shoes and the girls divide the money among themselves so they can enjoy with that money later on.

shadi stage

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Barat Wedding

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Barat is the procession of the family, relatives, and friends of the groom and they accompany the groom to the bride’s home for the official wedding ceremony. The groom makes his way to the bride's home on a richly decked horse or car and the “barat” follows in different vehicles. Usually they are also accompanied by a band playing wedding songs. The groom is given a warm welcome by the bride’s family with flower garlands and rose petals thrown upon the procession by the bride's sisters, cousins and friends. Families and friends enjoy a wedding ceremony in a marquee well decorated with flowers, candles and well decorated stage for the bride and groom to it and greet all the family and guests.

A Wedding (Shadi) is the bride's reception formally takes place. The event takes place at the bride's house where large wedding tents may be set up in the garden or a nearby place. It has also become very common to hold the event in a marriage hall or hotel. The bride's family is responsible for the reception and arrangements of the day.

Mehndi stage

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Mehndi ceremony of traditional Pakistani wedding

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Mehndi

Mehndi ceremony of henna (rasm-e-henna), usually takes place one or two days prior to the main wedding day. The event is traditionally held separately for the bride and the groom. The henna is symbolically placed on the couple's hands. The groom's friends and family bring along sweets and henna for the bride, and the bride's family does the same for the groom. On the bride's ceremony, the groom normally does not participate and similarly, on the groom's event the bride stays at home. Female guests are sometimes offering application of Mehndi and Bangles sets distributed.

In Punjab traditionally, since there were separate functions for both the bride and the groom, the groom's function was called 'Tael' (oil) where female guests put some oil into the groom's hair. With the ceremony now held simultaneously for both the groom and the bride, the use of the term 'Tael' has diminished greatly. In some cases, the entire ceremony is instead referred to as "Tael Mehndi" (Oil and Henna) ceremony.

The bride normally wears a green dress or yellows/orange for the Henna celebration and uses only shade of light yellow with no make-up. The groom will typically wear a casual Shalwar Kameez In this ceremony many traditional rituals and fun activities take place, like the bride and/or the groom are brought forward in the ceremony under a decorative dupattas hold by their brothers and sisters. In the bridal ceremony, a certain number of married women who are closely related to the bride apply henna to her hands, and feed her sweets. This ritual is supposed to bring good luck and longevity to the bride's married life. Similarly, on the groom's side, Mehndi and oil is applied to his head and sweets are fed to the groom.

A song competition also occurs in the Rasme Henna or Mehndi celebrations between the bride and groom's side. Young women and men will sing teasing songs about the other side (where the bride's side pokes good natured fun at the groom's side and vice versa) and try to compete in this ritual sing song. Sometimes elaborate musical and acting performances are part of the Mehndi celebrations. Many dance sequences and competitions between the bride and groom's families are also quite common these days.

Traditionally, the Mehndi was considered a women's event and men did not participate in it. The sing song etc. was left almost entirely to women. However, this has changed substantially in recent times with males featuring prominently in the Mehndi celebrations as well. A recent trend gaining popularity is to announce a colour theme for the Mehndi whereby guests are supposed to dress up in a particular colour. Commonly used colors are bright reds, oranges and yellows and, purple. So it’s a fun ceremony and both side enjoy and wish to be a happy big family.

Mayun Stage Pakistani Wedding

2011-03-26T06:55:00.000-07:00