Nallunggu ceremony and Mehendi night

Nallunngu ceremony is a pre-wedding ceremony (usually done 2-3 days before the wedding) to ward off evil and to bless the bride and the groom. This ceremony takes place separately in the bride's and the groom's house (the bride and the groom are usually not allowed to meet 2 weeks before the wedding). After the Nallunggu ceremony is done, the bride and the groom are not allowed to leave the house (this is to prevent any mishaps).

I was so happy that Chin Lay came.

Usually during the Nallunggu night, there will be Mehendi (henna) night for the bride. Mehendi has great significance in all Eastern wedding traditions, and no wedding is complete without the decoration of the bride’s hands and feet - in many cultures on both the front and back of the hands right up to the elbow, and on the bottom half of the legs. The mehendi night is something like a hen night in the West, with all the bride’s female friends and relatives getting together to celebrate.

Had a great time that night. It was fun-filled with family and friends - with lots of banter, laughter and joy! That's why I love the traditional Indian wedding - it gives an avenue for family and friends to celebrate with the bride/groom - more of a personal party before the big day.