Shane & Anjali – Mendhi and Chuda Photography

Saturday, August 15, 2009

When I arrived at Anjali’s house, her henna application was in full swing.
The work that Dimple Shah created on Anjali was very inspiring and had a unique and modern feel to it.
The tradition of applying mendhi goes back thousands of years to religious and bridal rituals in India, Africa and the Middle East. Mendhi is of great significance in Hindu weddings. Traditional belief is that the darker the stain, and the longer it remains on the bride’s hands and feet, the deeper the groom’s love for her.

Here are some of the photos from her Mendhi celebration:

I love the playfulness of this shot.

I love the playfulness of this shot.

Such incredible detail. I love the way the piece moves along her leg.

Such incredible detail. I love the way the piece moves along her leg.

I love prime lenses and the control they have on bokehs.

I love prime lenses and the control they have on bokehs.

ccording to more recent traditions, the groom's name will be hidden in the design of the bride’s hands. The wedding night cannot commence until he finds it.

According to more recent traditions, the groom's name will be hidden in the design of the bride’s hands. The wedding night cannot commence until he finds it.

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Anjali's mother, Poonam, has a meticulously manicured garden which made for endless photo-ops. This was my favorite.

Anjali's mother, Poonam, has a meticulously manicured garden which made for endless photo-ops. This was my favorite.

Anjali, the bride-to-be.

Anjali, the bride-to-be.

The Chuda ceremony is held at the bride’s home. Chuda is basically a set of red and cream ivory bangles that are touched by everyone who is present, as a sign of their best wishes for her married life.

Here is the bride on day two, preparing for her Maya ceremony.

Here is the bride on day two, preparing for her Chuda ceremony.

Anjali ceremony

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Anjali's Chuda (bangles) being put on by her maternal Aunt.

Anjali's Chuda (bangles) being put on by her maternal Aunt.

Vatna, a beautifing ceremony, involves applying the paste made from turmeric powder and mustard oil all over the Anjali's face by her female friends and relatives.

Vatna, a beautifing ceremony, involves applying the paste made from turmeric powder and mustard oil all over the bride's face by her female friends and relatives.

Anjali's kaliras (silver, gold or gold plated traditional ornaments). These were later tied to her bangles by the female relatives.

Anjali's kaliras (silver, gold or gold plated traditional ornaments).
These were later tied to her bangles by the female relatives.

I hope you enjoyed the sneak peak. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for contests and updates (including Anjali and Shane’s Reception)

by daveabreu

1 comment

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July 24, 2011 - 8:02 am

HARPREET BAINS - OMG,, THE PICTURES ARE EXTREME,, I LOVE THE SOOTHING IMPACT OF THEM… ESPECIALLY THE CHUDA PART.. GOD BLESS U!

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