When should I apply mehndi for Eid?

Apply it the night before Eid. The stain is lightest when the paste comes off and darkens over the next day.

It is the night the new moon is sighted before Eid. In South Asia it is a festive evening of shopping, bangles and mehndi.

Which mehndi designs are popular for Eid?

Arabic-style trails, round tikki designs and simple florals are popular because they look festive and are quick to apply.

Gorgeous Eid Wave Pattern Mehndi Design for Back Hand — Eid Mehndi Design

A traditional eid mehndi design tailored for the back of the hand, featuring sunburst and swirl. Rated as Hard, this pattern is perfect for everyday.

Skin on the back of the hand is thinner than the palm, so the stain is usually lighter and fades sooner. Leaving the paste on for longer helps the colour develop. This pattern needs steady pressure control and fine line work, so it is best attempted after practising simpler designs.

In South Asia, mehndi is traditionally applied on Chaand Raat, the night before Eid, when the new moon is sighted. Mehndi is worn for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as part of dressing up for the celebration.

Application tips: Apply Eid mehndi the evening before so the stain has time to darken by morning. Choose a design you can finish in one sitting; a single trail or tikki takes 15 to 30 minutes per hand.