Mehendi Ceremony:

The mehendi ceremony was a blast. There were all these pillows set up
on the floor with sheets covering them; this is where the henna took
place. Women would take turns sitting in front of the henna artists
(I'm sure they have an official name; I just don't know it) and these
women (the artists) would apply intricate designs, often with two
women working on one person at the same time (one hand each). After
inquiring if it was acceptable (it was), I opted to get some done on
my wrists and it looked fabulous! If you have not had it done before,
the henna is applied as a thick paste that takes a couple hours to dry
whence it eventually crumbles off leaving a dark orange or red
pattern. The supposed reason that the men are invited is to serve the
women food and drink since they cannot make use if their hands for a
couple hours.

Speaking of food- holy shit. There was so much food, and it was all
outstanding. As one guy James said, "These people even out do the Jews
with the amount of food they push on you." During the mehendi, there
were appetizers and drinks being tray passed. Then they opened up a
dosa station- essentially Indian crepes- and a "sizzling brownie"
station. I had a masala dosa: potatoes, onions, and spice! Then, just
as I was loosening my belt a notch, I found out that dinner was going
to be served in a little bit- dinner!! Then what was that we just
had?! Instead of protesting I just loosened the belt two notches in
anticipation.

Fortunately there was some dancing inbetween meals so I could use some
energy and make room for the food that was about to come. And for
those of you who know my penchant for dancing, well, let's just say
fun was had by all (I even managed to incorporate some Bollywood moves
I observed others doing!)

Dinner was outstanding, with the highlight for me being the naan fresh
out of the naan oven; I love that stuff!