Mehndi and charity – a marriage made in heaven

To an Asian bride, the intricate application of mehndi – henna patterns on her skin – is a most significant part of her pre-wedding ritual.
So the fact that Farah Khan, a leading mehndi artist, is to attend the Occasions Scottish Asian Wedding Show on Sunday 4 April at the Radisson BLU Hotel in Glasgow is a great coup for the show organisers, Oceanic. But more than that: Farah, who has written the First British Book of Henna, will create designs for visitors to the show and will donate 50% of the proceeds to Cancer Research.
Bridal mehndi is a most intricate and complex art. Dating back centuries, the elaborate patterns often incorporate the initials of the bride and groom. Legend has it that on their wedding night, the groom must first find those initials by searching his new wife’s decorated body, before anything else.
Said Farah: ‘For Asian brides, their mehndi is something very special. It is a ritual of great importance with a lot of emotional ties and is often very therapeutic for a bride. When I touch her hands she will start to talk – and often she will tell me things she wouldn’t tell anyone!’
Fashion in design currently favours floral motifs with flowers, leaves and paisley patterns flowing and entwined. To see the many wonderful designs which can be created by mehndi artists such as Farah Khan, visit the show which runs from 12 noon till 7pm. Farah, herself, will attend between 12 noon and 3pm and other skilled mehndi artists will also be demonstrating their expertise.
The event showcases clothing, jewellery, make-up and all the other important elements that make for a happy and successful wedding. The professionals who can provide all the services required, will be on hand to advise families planning such an auspicious event. Wedding planners will find unique and exciting elements at this show to give their special day, memorable perfection.