Mehndi, Mehndi, Mehndi. Different countries and different regions celebrate the Mehndi ceremonies in different ways.The modern UK South Asian community is no exception.
Recently we have been lucky to shoot a Bangladeshi Mehndi celebrations in Maidenhead, Berkshire.
In Bangladeshi families the Mehndi ceremony is usually carried out on both sides of the family – one for the bride and her family and another one for the groom and his family. But in this particular case we worked only for the bride’s side of the family.
Another difference with classical Hindu Mehndi ceremonies is that not always Bangladeshi families choose to apply actual Mehndi paste on the day of the event. Usually the mehndi design on palms and feet is already done by the time the event is happening. Instead of applying Mehndi paste on the day, usually a tiny bit of turmeric paste known as “haloud” is ritually applied. In the same time the bride is fed by every guest and relative with a sweet. This sweet in many cases is a cake that is placed in front of the bride and has her name written on it. The meaning of this tradition is probably to signify how sweet the bride is and how sweet future all guests are wishing her in her new life as a wife. During this time family members and guests also can give the bride all blessings and congratulate her.
For this family we provided both photography and videography service. The event was cosy and we worked only for 3 hours according to client’s requirements, but we managed to capture all the important moments and most importantly – the stunningly beautiful bride!
This Mehndi was themed in green which can be a wonderful theme colour for a Mehndi. The well planned decorations and outfits really always makes our photography and videography team very happy as those help to create beautiful photographs and video. People often underestimate how much beautiful photography and videography is dependent on nice environment, interior and backgrounds.
It was truly a pleasure working for this wonderful and friendly Bangladeshi muslim family! The joy of working with such nice and generous people definitely translated into beautiful photographs and video.
Lat but not least, our team highly recommends the wonderful restaurant where the Mehndi took place. And that is the Gandhi Restaurant in Maidenhead – probably the best Bangladeshi food in the UK!
