“Henna holds deep cultural significance for me on Eid day.”
This week, many Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr (breaking of the fast) with family get-togethers and special prayers to mark the end of Ramadan. Eid involves not just personal preparation but also organised gatherings, preparing special meals and reaching out to loved ones to add to the community and festive spirit.
Getting ready for Eid is undoubtedly one of the best parts of the celebrations, and the tradition of looking your best is an important ritual reflecting gratitude, renewal and appreciation for the occasion.
Typical outfits include silk abayas (a loose, robe-like dress) or the latest shalwar kameez designs (trousers and long shirt). And for many, no Eid experience would be complete without beautifully styled hair, an elevated natural makeup look and eye-catching henna designs.
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Beautification, and henna in particular, often functions as a ritual centred around sisterhood and women, nurturing a sense of solidarity. This communal spirit not only celebrates femininity, but also embraces our cultural identity with pride and confidence.
We spoke to four Muslim women to find out how they will be getting ready for Eid, what the celebrations mean to them and their favourite henna designs.
Halima Aden
“Eid day is a time of joy and celebration for me, spent with family and friends,” says Somali American fashion model Halima Aden. "We start with prayers at the mosque, followed by a big feast where we share delicious food and exchange gifts. It's a time to reflect on gratitude and blessings.
"Henna holds deep cultural significance for me on Eid day. It's a tradition that connects me to my roots and community. I love donning my hands with intricate henna designs symbolising beauty and celebration. I also wear henna on other special occasions as a way to express myself artistically.
"My favourite henna designs are intricate patterns with floral motifs and geometric shades. I love having henna applied to my hands and feet as it looks beautiful on these areas and adds an elegant touch to my overall look.
"For Eid this year, I'll be wearing elegant yet modest outfits that reflect my personal style and cultural heritage. I gravitate towards flowing dresses and abayas in vibrant colours and luxurious fabrics, paired with beautiful scarves or hijabs.
"My beauty look for Eid day is all about radiance and elegance. I opt for a natural makeup look with a focus on glowing skin with defined eyebrows and neutral tones on the eyes and lips. Some of my must-have staples include Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Foundation, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, and Huda Beauty lip gloss.”
Sajal Ali
“For me, Eid is a time to take a break from everything and focus on family and my close friends and since I’m a huge foodie, I really look forward to having all kinds of dishes,” says Pakistani actress and model Sajal Ali.
"I try to balance my time between socialising and also taking some time for myself to relax and unwind. More so, it is a time when I am especially conscious of those suffering around us and try to give back to the community.
"I absolutely love henna, the bright beautiful colour it brings out after leaving it overnight, the infinite design possibilities it holds and how one can adapt it to every occasion!
"My favourite designs are the classic floral ones because even in the simplicity they hold so much character and can instantly elevate the look.
"I will most likely ask my sister to pick out a nice chikankari kurta for me [to wear] and pair it with jhumki earrings. My beauty look would be something very minimal, light concealer and a pink and brown lip combo at best, since I have been focusing on prioritising skincare and embracing my natural look when I’m not working.
“I’m looking forward to this Eid especially, since after that I’ll be shooting back to back for a couple of months.”
Rosemin Opgenhaffen
“I love Ramadan and Eid in Dubai,” says TV presenter and podcast host Rosemin Opgenhaffen. "It’s so nice to be surrounded by friends and family. Also, brands and non-Muslims take part in all the celebrations by attending and hosting suhoors or beautiful tents in the city.
"For Eid, I’ll be with my family – it’s all about spending time together and eating traditional food like biryani.
"I picked up a Sana Safinaz outfit at her recent show, which I’ll wear. I like floral henna designs – maybe it’s because of the timing for spring and a new day.”
Kiran Malik
“Since childhood, Eid has been this magical moment marking the end of our sacred month,” says actress and model Kiran Malik. "It's that time when our loved ones gather to spread love, kindness, and peace.
"This tradition is everything to us, filling our hearts with joy as we come together, strengthening our bonds, and relishing the unity and spiritual growth we've shared throughout the month.
"One tradition I adore is adorning my hands with henna. There's something so enchanting about the classic tikka design and henna-adorned fingers. It brings me immense joy!
“I'm always buzzing with excitement days before Eid, planning my outfit. This year, I'm feeling a bit nostalgic, so I've decided to go all-out with a printed gharara and a printed short shirt, paired with a dupatta. It's such a quirky and fun twist on tradition that I absolutely love.”
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