What, you say?
Bangles are not just quite the rage here, they are a common sight on women on a daily basis. They jingle, jangle and the sound of them hitting against each other is quite melodic. Our housekeeper, Sushila, wears a delightful combination of both bangles and anklets ... you can always tell where she is in the house!
I have been intrigued by the arm length span of red bangles I often see on Indian women. Turns out that it is customary for the mother of a new bride to present her daughter with chooda, a large set of red bangles. She is then to wear those bangles for at least 40 days after the wedding ceremony!
I've found a great set of silver bangles that I just love. I wear them nearly every day and they are becoming one of my jewelry staples!
Mehndi is the traditional art of applying paste made from leaves of the henna plant to the hands and feet. The leaves, flowers and twigs are ground into a fine paste and then mixed with hot water. There is quite a bit of tradition entwined with mehndi (certain festivals and occasions are certain cause for mehndi designs) as well as it being thought to hold some medicinal properties.
It is absolutely fascinating to watch these guys work (male or female artists, both ... although I think I've seen more men?). Their fingers are quick, their hands are steady and the designs they create are amazing!
I won't go into the details of arguing with the guy doing my feet about the ridiculous amount of money he charged me for this!!
Bindi - as Tony is sportin' on his forehead - is a word derived from the sanskrit word "bindu" ... meaning 'drop.' It signifies the third eye of a person and when properly placed, becomes the central point of the base of the creation itself. (I don't quite understand all of that, but there you have it)
Associated most with marriage and femininity, the bindi represents good omen and purity. Even men have started to wear a "kumkum mark" on their foreheads, particularly for religious or traditional ceremonies.
I happen to LOVE getting mehndi done ... as it's a temporary way to show off a funky design and add a little artistic flair to what could be an otherwise drab outfit :) Much cheaper and not as long lasting as a tattoo!
