Mehndi
[MEN-dee]
Mehndi is a tradition originating in India and the Middle East, in which the bride is tattooed (temporarily) on her hands and feet with a red-orange dye from the “henna” plant. This event usually takes place in the nights leading up to the wedding — and tradition says that the deeper the color of the bride’s henna, the happier the couple’s marriage will be!
Our Mehndi will be an evening celebration at the groom’s childhood home. There will be food, music, vibrant colors, and maybe even some dancing! All guests are invited (and encouraged) to get their own henna done at the Mehndi, too. You don’t need a design in mind, as we will have a dedicated artist who can help you choose something you like. Keep in mind that each piece can take anywhere from five minutes to half an hour, and the dye is left on overnight to let the color deepen. Learn more about what to expect here.
Date & Time
Friday, September 11, 2026
4:00PM - 9:00PM
*No formal ceremony—drop by and stay as long (or as little) as you’d like.
Location
Menon Household
334 N Pondview Dr Palatine, IL 60067
Transportation
If you plan to drive, please park at the SpringHill Suites in Schaumburg.
We will have shuttle service running continuously between the hotel and the Menon household.
The first shuttle will depart from the hotel at 3:45 PM, and the last shuttle will return to the hotel at 9:00 PM.
Dress Code
Vibrant, colorful, and as fancy (or casual) as you want. Sarees and salwar kameez are welcome; jeans and tie-dye t-shirts equally so. Short sleeves are a good idea if you are planning to get henna done!
Ceremony & Reception
Our wedding ceremony will bring together traditions from both of our families as we celebrate our union as life partners. The ceremony will be short and sweet, followed by a cocktail hour. Dinner will feature Indian cuisine from Gaylord, and afterward we’ll dance, toast, and celebrate together into the evening.
Doors open at 2pm, and you’re welcome to arrive early to explore the surrounding park and nature area. The ceremony will begin promptly at 3pm, with celebrations continuing until the venue closes at 10pm.
Date & Time
Saturday, September 12, 2026
2:00PM - 10:00PM
Location
Chicago Columbus Park Refectory
Dress Code
Semi-formal, cocktail attire. Blending cultures means blending attire; please wear what you are most comfortable in, Indian or Western (or anywhere in between).
Gifts
Although your presence is the most meaningful thing you can give us on our special day, there will also be a place in the entrance hall for gifts, notes, and cards.
Langar
[LUNG-ger]
Langar is the practice in Sikh temples (gurudwaras) of providing three meals a day, completely free of charge, to anyone — regardless of religion, caste, gender, wealth, or ethnicity. These meals are prepared and served entirely by volunteers following the Sikh principle of seva (“selfless service”); families sometimes choose to volunteer for seva to mark a special occasion, in the spirit of celebration through community service.
In celebration of our wedding, we have decided to volunteer as hosts for a Langar at the Palatine Gurudwara, where we will prepare and serve an afternoon meal.
What to Expect:
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When you arrive, a few of our family members will be stationed at the entrance, handing out head coverings for both men and women, and helping you put them on.
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You'll enter the temple, leave your shoes in the shoe room, and walk all the way to the Langar hall at the back where Rohan and Jordan will be waiting to welcome you.
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All visitors wishing to receive Langar (a meal) will be seated in rows on the floor. A limited number of tables and chairs are available for elders and anyone with mobility challenges.
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Food is served buffet style to start, and you may take as much or as little as you wish (keeping in mind our shared commitment to reduce food waste as much as possible).
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If you want a second helping of anything, please remain seated. Volunteers come around with more of each dish, so guests are asked NOT to get back into line. When you are finished, you can clear and return your plate.
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You are welcome to stay in the Langar hall for as long as you wish. When you choose to leave, don't forget your shoes, and the head coverings are yours to keep!
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As you move throughout the building, we kindly ask you to remember that Langar is not a private event, and many members of the public will be in attendance as part of their own spiritual practice.
As a reminder, this event — like all Langars around the world — is open to everyone, regardless of your religious or cultural background. Please feel welcome and personally invited to join us, in the spirit of celebration, service, and love.
Date & Time
Sunday, September 13, 2026
12:00PM-2:00PM
*Guests are welcome to arrive at any time during these hours!
Location
Dress Code
No dress code. However, as this is a religious space, we kindly ask guests to respect the guidelines established by the temple. We will provide head coverings for everyone who attends.