The Henna Workshop at Iowa State University (ISU) attracted numerous students eager to explore the intricate art of henna on March 29, 2024. Held during the ISU AfterDark event at the Memorial Union, the workshop was a collaborative effort between the Indian Student Association and the International Student Council. Running from 21:00 to 00:00, the event quickly filled all available time slots, highlighting the growing interest in cultural experiences among students.
Participants began the evening with a brief presentation explaining the significance of henna, a traditional art form prevalent in many South Asian cultures. They were then guided on how to use various materials, including pens and stencils, to create their unique designs. Each session allowed students approximately ten minutes to craft their artwork before moving to another room for the henna to dry.
Juventino Leyva Garcia, a first-year graduate student in the Student Affairs program and the event committee director for the International Student Council, elaborated on the workshop’s objectives. “We provide henna stencils, and then we also provide some examples if they don’t want to follow the stencils,” Garcia explained. He emphasized the goal of introducing participants to cultural elements that may be unfamiliar within American society. “The mission statement of the International Student Council is to provide students of Iowa State a way for them to experience cultures that they don’t see in the United States,” he added.
Henna, a paste derived from the henna plant, is commonly used to temporarily dye skin, often featuring elaborate designs on hands and feet. The art carries different meanings across cultures, frequently symbolizing love, prosperity, and celebration.
Pooja Parmar, a junior majoring in computer science and the publicity chair for the Indian Student Association, shared insights into the cultural relevance of henna. “It’s used as a way of expression. A lot of times it’s used for festivals,” Parmar noted. She further explained that henna has historical roots as a natural dye for hair before transitioning to body art. “Once you put it on, after it dries, it kind of peels off. After it peels off, it leaves a color underneath, which stays on your hands probably for a week or two,” she added.
As students waited for their henna to dry, many expressed their connections to the art form and how the workshop influenced their understanding of different cultures. Hanna Merit, a junior in computer science, recounted her previous experiences with henna at the Iowa State Fair. “I did it at the Iowa State Fair, and I really liked it,” she said. “I’ve seen it online, but that’s when I first really got to experience it.”
Newcomer Avery Beerman, a freshman in pre-architecture, echoed the excitement for exploring henna. “We love crafts, and henna is such a unique art form,” Beerman noted. She highlighted the rarity of opportunities to engage in such cultural practices, expressing enthusiasm for the workshop.
ISU AfterDark events occur on the first Friday of every month, offering various activities for students to enjoy. Details on future events organized by the International Student Council can be found on their webpage, while the Indian Student Association shares updates on their Instagram page.
The success of the Henna Workshop reflects a broader effort at ISU to foster cultural exchange and appreciation, encouraging students to learn from one another and celebrate diversity.
