Indian weddings are incomplete without three things- a relative on the father’s side getting mad, lots of good food and a bride decked up in henna from head to toe. Applying mehendi is an old wedding tradition to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity and good luck to the brides. Traditionally, brides wear henna on both their hands and feet and keep it overnight to darken the stain. In Indian tradition, it’s said that the darker the stain, the more your mom-in-law loves you. Now, a lot of people don’t hold such beliefs and opt for going henna-free on their big days. But is that an apshagun? Read on the significance of mehendi in Indian weddings to find out.

Related: Would You Wear Kaleeras At Your Wedding If You Knew The History Behind Them?

Wearing henna is a personal choice

Even though wearing henna has been a practice in some Asian cultures for ages, in today’s time, it is a personal choice. Henna has cooling properties and calms a nervous bride, right before her big day. It brings luck, joy, and prosperity and adds to the bride’s beauty. But sitting for hours at an end can be tedious. So, if you opt to not wear henna, it is totally your choice and not an apshagun.

Recently we spotted Sonakshi Sinha, the latest Bollywood bride ditching henna-filled hands for something equally elegant and time-saving. Sonakshi wore alta on her hands, giving her a beautiful red stain and complimenting her outfits beautifully. Alta is another stain in some Asian cultures worn by brides that symbolise marital bliss, fertility, and good luck. It is often worn by married women as a sign of being committed and loyal to their husbands and their new family.

So, if you are a new-age bride who wishes to skip long hours of sitting through mehendi sessions, you can opt for a beautiful alta design instead. But if you want to go the traditional route and not go for elaborate designs that take hours, you can find some minimal mehendi inspiration on Pinterest and stay fuss-free for your festivities.

Featured Image Source

Related: Sonakshi Sinha’s Wedding Looks Are Serving Inspiration For All The Minimalist Brides-To-Be