South Asian weddings are known to be extravagant and colorful. For the first time, South Asian Student Association (SASA) hosted a “Mock Mehendi,” an event commemorating the cultural aspects and creativity behind Indian weddings. From food and drinks to dance and festive traditions, organizers and attendees were immersed in a cultural experience.
The event took place on Friday, Feb. 23, in the Ruth Taylor Courtyard. As guests arrived, SASA members greeted them at the check-in table and encouraged them to proceed down the “aisle” to the main area. Decorations, lights, tables and an assortment of foods were laid out beautifully. At the back of the courtyard, a bartender provided beverages for guests to enjoy such as peach bellinis and a sweet mango juice.
Ani Siva, junior biochemistry and molecular biology major and vice president of SASA, said that the event took slightly over a month and a half to plan. SASA came together as a club to work hand-in-hand to make the evening special and unforgettable.
“During one of our officer meetings we were discussing important parts of South Asian culture that we felt like we haven’t covered yet with our current rotation of events, especially at a big enough scale,” Siva said. “We were talking about how important and iconic South Asian weddings are, and we instantly realized that we wanted to bring an experience like this to Trinity — thus the Mock Mehendi night.”
Siva emphasized the importance of planning the event through a lot of meetings and forms. Given the amount of events SASA has organized already, the process was not strenuous. One of the hurdles they faced was allowing alcohol to be distributed, but this was ultimately a success.
Ameena Khan, junior international studies major and social chair for SASA, said that other universities, such as UT-Austin and UTSA, have held events similar to Mock Mehendi, which inspired SASA to hold it.
“My friends always tell me that they want to go to a South Asian wedding, so what’s better than hosting one for everyone to attend and experience that,” Khan said. “Even though it wasn’t exactly like a typical South Asian wedding, it gave people a sense of that experience. We had two brides instead of a bride and a groom, which was a fun twist.”
Khan sat at a table for a few hours and applied “mehendi,” also known as henna tattoos, for guests in beautiful floral designs. A long line of attendees spiraled around the Ruth Taylor Courtyard to get a creative design tattooed. Guests were encouraged to wear formal or ethnic attire, and SASA welcomed people from all different cultures and backgrounds to join.
“I have always enjoyed doing henna, and I am excited to see people have it on as well. I think the whole concept behind Mock Mehendi really shows off South Asian culture. We also have Top Naach and the Prowlers performing and playing music the entire evening. We have catering from Madurai Mes, which is a really good Indian restaurant in San Antonio,” Khan said.
Ella Charbonnet, junior marketing major, shared her experience at Mock Mehendi, which she attended to support Khan, her suitemate.
“This was my first Mock Mehendi, or any Mehendi for that matter, that I have attended. I ended up having so much fun,” Charbonnet said. “I learned so many new things, and even tried Indian food for the first time. I know that is a little shocking, but it was the perfect place to try it while watching the amazing dances performed by Top Naach.”