A FIDM Student Activities Event

Sari-wrapping lessons, henna tattoos and an Indian feast! That was the scene in the Student Activities Lounge when FIDM's students of Indian descent presented "Night of India," a peek into the lovely traditions of their exotic homeland.

One table held a buffet of chicken tikka, chicken and paneer masalas, dal, vegetable biryani and other Indian favorites. Another table held sari lengths (5 1/2 feet) of fabric from FIDM's on-site bargain hunter's paradise, the Scholarship Store.

As some students sampled the tasty fare, Niki, a Fashion Design student; Rupal, an Interior Design Student; and Pooja, a Merchandise Marketing program graduate; eached helped an eager FIDM student wrap a length of fabric into a beautifully draped sari.

At another table, Fashion Design student Kranti demonstrated the art of mehandi, or henna tattooing.

Mehandi is typically done for auspicious occasions such as weddings and festivals. Kranti drew the ornamental designs using henna paste which she had mixed herself from henna powder, lemon juice and tea.

If you're interested in making your own choli (that's the short, tight-fittingblouse worn under a sari), go to www.larkbooks.com and see Folkwear pattern #32134 called "South Asian Tops & Wraps."

If you're interested in learning more about wrapping a sari, visit www.kerala.com and www.indiayellowpages.com.