Mehndi, haldi (Hindi) · Mylanchi (Malayalam)
Mehndi and haldi
Henna on the bride’s hands and turmeric blessings: the most photographed afternoon of the week.
Updated Kalyan Co Planning TeamReviewed by Mefas Fransis
Mehndi is the pre-wedding party where henna is painted on the bride’s hands and feet, and guests join in; haldi is a turmeric paste blessing for the couple. Both are relaxed daytime functions with music and food, and guests from abroad usually love them most. We plan both, together or separately.
These are the gentlest, most joyful functions of an Indian wedding: bright colours, music, snacks and lots of laughter. In Kerala Muslim families the henna night is called mylanchi.
- Typical guests
- 30–200
- Typical budget
- ₹2–15 lakhPlanning range, not a quote
- Also called
- Mehndi, haldi, Mylanchi
What we plan
- Henna artists for the bride and guests
- Haldi set-up with marigolds
- Music and dhol
- Colour-coded dress guides for guests
Questions couples ask
Can guests who are not Indian join the mehndi?
Yes, and they should. Henna artists paint small designs for guests throughout the afternoon.
What should guests wear to a haldi?
Yellow or light colours they don’t mind staining; turmeric paste can mark fabric.
Plan your mehndi and haldi
Where you live, roughly when, and how many guests. A planner replies within a few hours, in your time zone.