A woman selling bangles at her set up in Sunday Bazar. PHOTO: INP
ISLAMABAD: As Ramazan draws to an end and Eid’s festivities gear up, the capital’s markets are brimming with traditional mehndi and bangles stalls to attract women, both young and old. Applying various styles of mehndi is an annual chaand raat activity for women, especially young girls.
To cater to this market, mehndi stalls are set up at markets and beauty salons to provide a variety of creative motifs for women seeking to indulge in the activity.
“The application of mehndi at stalls is part of our heritage with regards to Eidul fitr and is also a source of happiness,” said Samina, a housewife. Talking to APP, Saleem, a stall holder in G-9 markaz, said he setup his stall before Eid and has earned sufficient profit till now and is looking forward to making considerably more on the nights before Eid.
Various book shops also start selling mehndi design books before Eid as they are in great demand among girls who want to master the art of henna (mehndi) application.
With the never-ending popularity of such trends, some hazardous chemicals are being used to add darker color to the mehndi, which though makes it more prominent but has dangerous effects on one’s skin and create allergies, Saima informed.
Moreover, Eid shopping has gained momentum as every evening, post-Iftar, markets are flooded by families.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 5th, 2013.
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