The ceremonial exchange of “Qubool hai” finds itself among the more persistent hallmarks of the traditional Muslim nikah
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Originally devised to place the bride’s consent at the crux of the ceremony, traditional celebrations remain notably devoid of the champagne-popping pomp
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The discerning eye will, instead, spot the reverent romanticism manifest in a flurry of less tangible moments as an errant tear is surreptitiously wiped away during rukhsati
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In the absence of the bridal march or ceremonial music, emotions instead bubble to the surface as the couple clings to stolen glimpses of one another
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As modern custodians of a centuries-old ritual, a new generation of henna artists is swapping the ornamental excess of yore in favour of meaningful minimalism
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Whether it be clusters of vines slithering down wrists or abstract geometric patterns that tempt the mind into varied interpretations, each motif has a story to tell
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A newlywed draws from the memories of her recent nikah to compile a mood board of henna designs for modern brides on the cusp of wedded bliss.