For thousands of years, cultures across the globe have utilized copper-colored paste to bring communities together through artistic expression. The identifiable golden stain, widely known as henna, can most commonly be seen through intricate designs placed on hands and feet, in dyes to color hair, and in various other creative forms of artistic heritage.
On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10, the craft was used to introduce the wider Voorhees community to South Asian traditions during an unforgettable candle decorating workshop hosted by the Voorhees Gibbsboro Lions Club, where attendees crafted designs beautiful enough to earn a permanent placement in their homes.
Nagpuri Saoji’s Indian Bistro hosted the evening’s festivities. Transforming the cozy restaurant into a communal space filled with conversation, delicious food, and hands fast at work perfecting custom designs before the glue dried.
No matter what level of artistic ability, the evening offered the community a welcoming space to unwind, and leave their own creative stamp on the culturally rich tradition. As chatter faded after the initial introductions from chapter members, guests were quickly consumed by their henna designs, covered in the glitter and rhinestones that would follow them home after the evening commencements.
The success of the sold out event was especially meaningful to the Vice President of the group Sapana Raval, whose passions for artistic heritage and community service became the heart and soul behind the workshop.
Navigating swiftly through tables to assist guests with their designs, Raval shared her belief that weaving cultural traditions into services builds a lasting network of neighbors who continually support one another.
“South Jersey is home to such a wonderfully welcoming, diverse population that truly values connection and giving back,“ Raval said, looking around the room of people of various ages and backgrounds.
“Whether we are hosting wellness events, organizing community service projects, or packing books for local non-profits like BookSmiles, our neighbors show up with open hearts and incredible energy,” she continued. “Events like this sold-out workshop prove that when you create spaces for people to gather, learn, and celebrate together, the community responds with overwhelming enthusiasm.”
Since successfully restarting the chapter three years ago the Voorhees Gibbsboro Lions Club, have been hard at work supporting vision, hunger, diabetes, childhood cancer, and environmental causes through local initiatives such as these to make a meaningful difference within their community. When she is not getting ahead of the club’s comprehensive vision screenings and eyeglass donation drives, Raval uses her artistic gift to teach folk dance and henna design to the next generation, skills she believes are fruitful to the careful planning and vibrant enthusiasm that filled the evening’s event.
Along with Raval’s vision, it was the dedication of members of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club and community support that made the night’s success a possibility. Reflecting on an evening that united the community through henna, chai, and creativity, Raval believes participating in programs like these, is one of the many ways for the community to support the club’s initiatives and humanitarian work.
“Seeing the pure happiness in a room full of neighbors sharing masala chai, creating art, and lifting each other up reminds me every single day why giving back is the greatest privilege we have.”
Additional upcoming events supported by the chapter include:
- Sept. 24 Dinner Meeting at Elena Wu Restaurant
- Oct. 3 5K Run for Sight with the Haddonfield Lions
- Oct. 11 Myopia Management in Children Lecture at M. Allan Vogelson Library
- Oct. 17 Voorhees Fall Festival
- Oct. 25 T1D Diabetic Walkathon in Glassboro
The Voorhees Gibbsboro Lions Club chapter is accepting new members. For inquiries on joining the club or participating in a future event, reach out to voorheesgibbsborolionsclub@gmail.com.
