Mehndi Mania

Yesterday afternoon, we arrived in Bangalore and headed straight to Shiro Lounge for Rushmi's mehndi ceremony. In true Rushmi fashion, the Indian pre-wedding tradition was performed at an Asian-fusion bar/lounge with hard-core rap playing in the background. (Her brother: "Thank god my grandparents can't understand these lyrics.")

We enjoyed catching up with friends, meeting Rushmi and Vikram's families, and sitting to have our hands adorned with gorgeous henna designs. The artists use a little packet of henna that looks like a decorative cake frosting applicator. The henna goes on like puff paint, and as it dries it forms a dark brown crust that molts off, leaving the dyed pattern behind on your skin. Depending on how long you leave it on, (and how long you resist the temptation to pick at the crust--it's like a scab!) the color can range from an orangey tone to a deep red rust color.