As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, the henna (mehedi) market in the capital is experiencing a surge in demand, turning a long-standing cultural tradition into a lively seasonal business.

Finishing the bulk of their Eid shopping, customers turn to buy henna, which has now become an essential part of the celebration.

Popular designs this year include floral, geometric and mandala patterns, often chosen to match outfits. While styles evolve slightly each year, the tradition itself remains unchanged.

The growing availability of ready-made tubes and sticker-based designs has made henna easier to apply, contributing to its rising popularity.

At the same time, the seasonal boom is creating income opportunities, especially for young women.

Many are working as henna artists from home, beauty parlours, online platforms or roadside stalls, while students are increasingly taking it up as a part-time job during the Eid season.

Businesses are also capitalising on the surge in demand.

Traders report increasing interest in organic henna, driven by greater awareness of skin safety.

Popular brands such as Kaveri, Dulhan, Smart, Mumtaz and Neha are widely available in the market.

Prices remain relatively affordable, with standard henna tubes selling for Tk 40–Tk 60 and organic variants priced between Tk 100 and Tk 150.

Application charges vary depending on design complexity, ranging from Tk 250 for simple patterns to around Tk 500 for more intricate work.

This seasonal boom highlights how a cultural practice tied to Eid has evolved into a growing micro-enterprise sector in urban Bangladesh, providing a crucial source of supplementary income for small traders and freelance artists.

Fashion and jewellery outlet Dotola at Dhanmondi, for instance, is hosting a three-day henna festival this year, an extension from its usual one-day event on Chand Raat, reflecting growing customer interest.

Manager Fowzia Afrin told New Age that the event, now in its third year, has been expanded due to increased demand.

‘Customers are showing strong interest this year, especially in mandala and ‘royal vibe’ designs,’ she said.

Afrin also noted a significant shift in consumer preference towards organic henna. ‘Organic henna is now more popular as it reduces the risk of skin problems,’ she said.

According to her, their event serves more than 15 customers daily for henna designs.

Charges range from Tk 250–Tk 300 for simple designs to Tk 400–Tk 500 for more elaborate styles.

Sticker-based mandala designs are particularly trending this season.

Retailers say sales rise dramatically during the Eid period, in some cases increasing 30 to 40 times comparing with regular days.

Daily sales volumes also see a sharp rise, continuing strongly until Chand Raat.

Nasir Ahmed of Unique Collection at Eastern Plaza said henna sales surge significantly during Eid.

‘We sell both Indian and local products priced between Tk 50 and Tk 60, and daily sales exceed 200 pieces during this period,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the owner of Asian Sky Shop also reported a notable increase in sales, with Kaveri henna emerging as the top-selling product this season.

‘Sales remain strong right up to Chand Raat,’ he added.