Explore Pakistan at LUC!

By Husna Afzal | February 27, 2017

Explore Pakistan on Thursday, March 2nd, 2017 at 6:00PM, Damen MPR South

Loyola’s Pakistani Students’ Association is bringing back Explore Pakistan, this time it’s BIGGER and BETTER. With Pakistani music, food, and culture, you’ll feel like you’re in Pakistan! For PSA, it’s always wedding season and this time we’re bringing the festivities to you. Come join us on Mehndi Ki Raat to sing, dance, and EXPLORE PAKISTAN. There will pani puri (snack) competitions, henna designers (you and your friends can get henna done!), food, live sugar cane juicing, live ice cream stations, and much more!

What is Mehndi ki Raat?

Traditionally on the Mehndi night, the girl is in a yellow outfit, tinged with green. Friends and sisters walk in with small candles placed in trays or clay pots . These are then laid out on the floor in front of where the girl will be seated and are decorated with gold tinsel or beading.

The girl is customary led to the stage, under the shade of a yellow/green scarf which is held up by relatives.

Guests apply a dollop of henna on the girls hands and then fed some sweets and gifted money (which is to symbolize warding off the evil eye).

Its generally a joyous occasion, with many colorful outfits, music, banter, dancing and giddiness. Bright colors are worn – such as yellows, oranges and greens. However recently pastel shades such as baby pink, baby blue have also been worn. Family and friends execute a number of dances for entertainment.