Hands-on lesson
New Glasgow preschoolers learn the art of henna
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — If you see a child with reddishorange dye on their hands or wrist, maybe in the shape of a sun, moon flower or butterfly, then it’s a sure sign the festival of Karva Chauth has come to Pictou County.
“This is henna,” explained Dr. Chakshu Sharma, as a semicircle of seated youngsters leaned in to get a good look. “It goes on as a paste, so you have to keep your hands steady while it’s being applied.”
Keeping kids of this age still and steady for any amount of time is a mission, but when they saw what Sharma’s steady hand could accomplish with the lavender-scented dye, everyone quickly offered her their hands.
On Oct. 17, Sharma brought a small but important piece of the Karva Chauth festival to kids attending Playtime at Dodie’s Preschool.
“I love doing this stuff, so I thought maybe it would be nice to do it with my kids,” said Sharma, her daughter Neeva at her side.
Karava Chauth is a one-day festival celebrated by Hindu women. It involves a ritual fasting until the moon rises, and is a celebration of marriage and friendship in which henna plays an important role.
Most of the kids at Dodie’s asked for butterflies, spiders and even Pokémon, but a few opted for the full mosaic designs which Sharma showed them in photos and on the hands of her mother in-law, Usha, and daughter.
“To get be part of this is great,” said Dodie Lamey, owner of the preschool. “It’s fantastic, and the kids are so into it.”
It took more than an hour, but every child in the daycare received their henna tattoo, which lasts a little over a week before fading.
“Indian culture is very inclusive,” said Sharma after finishing the last design and was able to stand up off the floor. “If you think that you’re being welcomed, then you are. So, come join in.”