Night of henna and bangles is here

Islamabad : If Eidul Fitr belongs to children, then Chand Raat, the night before the post-Ramazan festival, is for girls and women.

As soon as the moon marking the end of Ramazan is sighted, the streets and markets come alive with women indulging in last-minute shopping, applying henna and selecting bangles to match their Eid outfits.

Islamabad’s Super Market, Jinnah Super and Karachi Company and Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar and Saddar witness a surge of excited shoppers.

While high-end hotels host ‘chand raat’ fairs for the elite, most women flock to bustling bazaars where glass bangles and henna remain the top attractions.

Bangle vendors, sourcing their products from Punjab and Sindh, especially Hyderabad, know that variety is key. Lightweight, colourful bangles that match Eid outfits are in high demand.

Similarly, henna artists set up makeshift stalls, offering intricate traditional and modern designs. Some working women opt for temporary henna that fades quickly, while others bring their own designs for a personalised touch. Beauty salons also report a business boom as women line up for manicures, facials and hairstyling, ensuring they look their best for Eid.

Despite changing times and increasing Western influences, these ‘chand raat’ traditions endure, reflecting a deep cultural connection.