Henna Art at the World of Montgomery Festival

The opportunity to see and experience traditional arts of different countries makes the World of Montgomery an event you won’t want to miss. This year, four countries will be highlighted: India, China, El Salvador, and Ethiopia. Each of these countries has unique traditional arts, some of which will be demonstrated right in your own backyard!

The festival will be held at Westfield Wheaton Plaza Mall parking lot (next to the metro) on Sunday, October 19th, 2014, from noon to 5:00pm. This free family-friendly event explores cultural diversity with international music, food, dance, exhibits and hands-on arts and crafts activities.

Visitors to the India tent at the Festival will get to experience on of the most beautiful traditional arts – henna art. The art of painting henna designs on the body, also called mehndi in Hindi, has been practiced for more than 5,000 years in Pakistan, India, Africa and the Middle East. At World of Montgomery – you can get the henna painted on you.

Henna paste, made from grinding leaves of the henna tree, was initially used to cool the body. When it was discovered that the paste left a stain on the skin, henna art was born! Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, was known to use henna to decorate her body. While often referred to as henna “tattoos,”—henna art designs are not permanent like traditional tattoos and will wash away gradually after a week or two. Traditional henna art is never black—colors range from orange to dark maroon and is safe for anyone to try.

Henna art is used not only to decorate the body, but is also used for auspicious or celebratory events to bring good fortune. Historically, henna art is associated with romantic love and the ritual of marriage. The intricate floral and paisley designs often seen on the hands and feet of an Indian bride are a sign of good luck for the newlyweds. Henna art is usually practiced by women who teach others the art form—passing down recipes and designs from one generation to the next.

In addition to the traditional arts, the festival features a global kitchen with international chefs offering classes on regional cooking; a Parade of Cultures that circles the festival grounds with dancers, dragons and drummers; and a variety of country tents in the international village where children and adults can make their own traditional crafts, and enjoy music, performances and games. There will be two entertainment stages, a craft market, ethnic food vendors, and fun activities for the whole family.