The wonderful and colourful wedding of Tulsi and Dillon start with the Pithi and Mendhi ceremonies which occur at the Corinthia St. George. These ceremonies serve as a preparation for the Hindu ceremony.

Pithi or Haldi

The Haldi ceremony is a ritual holy bath also known as pithi ceremony, which is one of the pre-wedding ceremonies in India. Turmeric (haldi), oil and water are applied to both the bride and groom by married women on the morning of the wedding. The mixture is believed to bless the couple before the wedding. It is known to have properties that leave the skin fair and glowing. The haldi in some Indian communities is considered auspicious and also signifies protection.

After the haldi ceremony, when the paste is rinsed off, it helps to remove dead cells and detoxify the skin. It is proven to be an effective exfoliating agent. Apart from its beautification property, haldi is also known to alleviate some of the nervousness that the bride and the groom feel before their wedding. It is definitely a fun exercise!

Mendhi or Henna

Mehndi, otherwise known as henna, is a paste associated with positive spirits and good luck. As per Indian Wedding tradition the Mehndi ceremony is held the night before the wedding as a way of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey on to marriage. The Mehndi Ceremony is organized by the Bride’s family bringing together the female components of each side. While Mehndi is mainly for females, male relatives are invited to join in on the party that comes after the Bride has completed her henna. The core significance of applying Mehndi is to utilize its natural medicinal herbal remedies, cooling the body and relieving the Bride of any stress before her big day.