Poonch, March 30, 2025 – As the crescent moon of Shawwal graced the skies, signaling the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitr, the streets of Poonch buzzed with festive cheer. Among the many traditions that lit up the celebrations, one stood out with vibrant swirls and joyful smiles: children adorning their hands with beautiful mehndi designs. This year, the art of henna took on a playful twist, blending tradition with creativity to make Eid extra special for the little ones.
Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is a time of gratitude, family, and festivity. While adults busied themselves with prayers, feasts, and new attire, the children of Poonch embraced their own way of joining the merriment—through intricate mehndi patterns tailored just for them. From delicate swirls to charming smiles drawn in henna, these designs brought an extra layer of joy to the celebrations.
“Kids love mehndi that’s fun and simple—flowers, stars, little hearts, and even their favourite cartoon characters. This Eid, we’ve seen a lot of swirls and smiley faces, which make them giggle as the henna dries,” she said. Her stall near the Poonch market was abuzz with children eagerly awaiting their turn, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
The designs, often lighter and less intricate than those for adults, catered to young tastes while keeping the spirit of Eid alive. Floral motifs with playful vines, crescent moons paired with tiny stars, and even quirky additions like balloons and butterflies adorned little hands. Parents, too, joined in the fun, encouraging their kids to pick patterns that reflected their personalities. “My daughter wanted a smiley face with swirls around it. It’s her first Eid with mehndi, and she’s thrilled,” said Rubina Akhter, a mother from Bhatadhurian.
This tradition of applying mehndi holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing beauty, joy, and blessings. For children, it’s also a rite of passage—a chance to feel included in the grown-up festivities. In Poonch, where community ties run strong, the sight of kids showing off their hennaed hands to friends and family has become a heartwarming highlight of Eid.
As the sun set on Eid day, the children of Poonch ran through the streets, their mehndi-stained hands waving in the air. The swirls and smiles they carried were more than just designs—they were a testament to the innocence and exuberance that define the festival. For these young ones, Eid 2025 wasn’t just about sweets and new clothes; it was about the little works of art that made them feel part of something bigger.
With every swirl of henna, the kids of Poonch painted a picture of unity, joy, and the timeless spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr—a celebration that, in their hands, looked as bright as ever.