To mark the beginning of the month of Shrawan, during which Hindu women decorate themselves with henna and yellow-green bangles, Open Space Network on Saturday organized ‘Namaste Mehendi Convention 2017’ at Labim Mall, Jawalakhel. The event was a platform for women of all age-groups to come together and celebrate the festive vibes of the month of Shrawan.

Namaste Mehendi Convention 2017 was organized under the title sponsorship of Laxmi Bank and in collaboration with Today’s Telegram, Keeper Inc and GBG Women Kathmandu.  According to Faija Parween, chairperson of Open Space Network, the event also intended to provide exposure to thriving henna artists of the valley. In the sidelines of the event, Faija said, “We hope to help these henna artists in boosting their businesses through today’s event”. GBG Women Kathmandu is planning on giving henna artists tech-related trainings so that the latter could market themselves online.

Wearing henna in modern day Kathmandu has become more of a fashion statement. Women these days, more so the younger generation, are found to place comparatively bigger preference to wearing henna and fasting on Mondays in the month of Shrawan. One can observe the extensive commercialization of the henna-wearing tradition. This in a way has garnered attention of younger generation, and has ultimately served to conserve the practice.  

Originally, wearing henna was a part of extensive rituals followed by Hindu women, especially of Brahmin and Chhettri communities. Women pray to Lord Shiva with the hope to receive spiritual bliss or find “a perfect husband” by practicing these essential rituals in the month of Shrawan.