Glow of green bangles and Mehendi in Shrawan

By Mala Karna, Kalyanpur, Saptari, July 21: One can see the wrists of females both married and unmarried covered in different coloured bangles and various designed Mehendi, in the month of Shrawan. This month gives a different spirit and zeal to females. Mehendi is the use of paste from the henna plant to make beautiful designs on the palm.

There is a mass of females wearing kurtas, bangles, and garland (potes) of the colours, red, and green, yellow, visiting temples and leading a daily life. Lately, even unmarried girls are seen wearing and adoring green, and yellow bangles, Kurtis and Mehendi. Some wear it for religious reasons while some wear it as a fashion statement. Significantly, Lord Shiva is worshipped on all Mondays of Shrawan, but overall all days of Shrawan (Mid July to the first half of August) are held with utmost importance in Hindu society. 

Even females who are not seen wearing the traditional attire and jewels in their daily life, do not miss wearing it on Shrawan. Along with the tradition of offering pious water to Lord Shiva, there has been an increasing trend lately in wearing the traditional attire, jewels, and Mehendi.

People connect this month for the blessing like asking for the long and healthy life of a husband and some about the welfare of offspring and to some, it is a hanging thread to mend the broken ties or relationships. Some unmarried females take fasting to get husbands like Lord Shiva.  As per the mythical stories, it is believed that the Goddess Parwati, got Lord Shiva after proper fasting without the intake of any food or water. Therefore, this month of Shrawan is taken as the month of Lord Shiva. Lately, the main attraction of Shrawan has been green bangles, Mehendi, and fasting.

The elderlies claimed that the tradition was fading in the late two-three decades, however, has regained its momentum lately. Now also, females in the rural area do not hold much importance to this tradition, but urban females are only seen wearing green but also enjoying it.

Not only of religious importance but also Shrawan is beautified with greenery and rainfall.

Saraswoti Chaudhary from Khadak Municipality said that green bangles, pote, and Mehendi are a symbol of a stroke of luck, and the green dress is taken as respect to mother nature and the colour itself is soothing and beautiful.

She said that nowadays females are seen applying Mehendi because it looks beautiful. All the cosmetics shops this month are seen packed with buyers.

Even though many other traditions in Nepal are fading but this particular is attracting many or many females are following this tradition wholeheartedly. In the hindsight, this trend of wearing green in Shrawan has been a fashion statement for many.