This last December we decided to go to an Indian market in Durban. The "Souk" is the name given to this pre-dominantly Muslim festival. My first few steps into the expo center blew all my preconceived assumptions of what it would be like. No dingy lighting, no concrete floors covered in display mats, no sweet perfumed incense or whiney music. It was large, well-lit, noisy in the good sense and very clean and organised! There was everything from clothes, bags, jewellry, hookahs, make-up, various technologies and food! Traditional indian snacks like samoosa's, assortments of sweet meats and jars of dried nuts, spices and cereals mixed together for a savoury/spicy finger snack. But the best thing for me about this market was the amazing talents of a little girl of around 14 years old, who was doing Mendhi or as some people call it- Henna. The intricate designs and speed with which she applied the dye was unbelievable! This young girl didn't have to spare a moment to think of what she would create next. It astounded us that each of our designs we had done on our feet were different but had similar shapes that connected them. Apparently mendhi is not done commercially, it is a traditional art form and it is easier to find someone who is familiar with this art form and make a private appointment with them. It is also tradition for the bride in Indian weddings, to have her hands and feet covered in elaborate mendhi designs, along with lots of jewelery, sparkly clothing and intricately woven cloth. I love how pretty it looks and how it can last for weeks, I have had Mendhi done more than once and I will carry on having these beautiful works of art stroked onto me.
