Eid Ethereal: Meaning, Identity, and the Beauty of Modern Celebrations

“Eid, to me, is made up of the most beautiful moments, the kind that stay with you long after the day has passed.

Growing up, it was always about togetherness. The house would be full, there was laughter in every corner, and my mum made everything feel so special. She would always get me a new outfit, and bangles were a must, but it wasn’t just what she gave me. It was how she made me feel: seen, loved, and excited.

After losing her, Eid changed. It felt like I lost the little things that made it feel like home.

Now, as a mother myself, I see Eid differently. I feel a responsibility to create those same moments again, to give my children that same sense of love, unity, and warmth that I grew up with. Even though life has become busier and we’ve lost some of that closeness, I’m intentional about bringing it back.

For me, it’s often the simplest traditions that mean the most, like getting ready together. That shared excitement before stepping out is where Eid really begins.

Eid now is not just about celebrating, but about giving back, showing compassion, and thinking of others. It’s about balancing joy with generosity.

This year, more than anything, I just want to be present, to spend time with the people I love, to laugh, to connect, and to create memories my children will carry with them, just like I carry mine.”

Syma Raja
Enchanted by Syma
@enchantedbysyma

“Eid, to me, is a point of alignment, faith, culture, and identity all meeting in one moment.

As a Pakistani Muslim, it holds a dual significance for me, the discipline and reflection that comes with prayer, and the familiarity of traditions passed down through generations. There’s an unspoken understanding that this is a day set apart, in how we show up, how we present ourselves, and how we prioritise time with the people who matter.

What stays with me most from growing up is the atmosphere. Early mornings, with halva, puri and traditional seviyan being made, everything quietly coming together before the day begins. Then it shifts into something more social. I remember going for Eid prayers at Regent’s Park Mosque, followed by picnics filled with food, games, and time with family friends. And Chand Raat, getting henna done the night before. That always felt like the real beginning of Eid.

As I’ve grown, my role has changed. As a child, you experience Eid at the centre of it; as an adult, you experience it from the outside, making it happen. Now, as a mother to three daughters, it’s about planning, hosting, and creating that sense of continuity. It becomes less about expectation and more about contribution.

Some traditions, though, never change. Eidi is a constant. And starting the day with something sweet after Eid prayers. It’s a small detail, but it marks that shift from reflection to celebration.”

Abby Ghafoor OBE
Arc Management
@abbyghafoor

“Eid is such a special time for me, my family, and my loved ones.

After fasting for the whole month, Eid ul Fitr feels like a real milestone. There’s a strong sense of accomplishment, and then you’re rewarded with these beautiful days to celebrate, be grateful, and spend quality time with the people who matter most.

Growing up, I remember waking up to the smell of kheer, zarda, and pilau. It instantly felt like Eid. Our whole family would come together, everyone bringing a dish to one house, spending proper quality time, seeing all my cousins, and of course getting Eidi from the elders. Getting dressed up with my sisters in brand new outfits and bangles made it all feel even more special.

As I’ve gotten older, those traditions have become even more meaningful. You start to appreciate them on a deeper level. Living in a Western country, it’s also been really nice to see Eid being recognised more widely now, from mainstream awareness to high street brands acknowledging it. It feels like it’s getting the platform it deserves.

But at its core, Eid will always be about being together. Celebrating with family and sharing that time. That’s the most important part for me, sharing these beautiful moments with my husband and my daughters, teaching them about our Eid traditions.

The night before, we celebrate Chaand Raat, getting together, applying mehndi, enjoying food, and just having fun. On Eid day, we start with Eid namaz and then spend the whole day with family, from breakfast through to dinner. It’s always full of laughter, especially for the kids, with gifts, Eidi, and such a warm, happy atmosphere.”

Ambreen Ahmed
Hair & Make-Up Artist
@ambreenmakeup

“For me, Eid means family and friends coming together, spending time with loved ones, eating together, and just feeling joy, happiness, and gratitude.

One of my favourite memories growing up was the tradition of Eidi. We would spend the whole day collecting money from elders and then count it at the end. Seeing who got the most between siblings and cousins. It was always so much fun.

Over the years, not much has changed for us as a family. We have really tried to hold on to both the religious and cultural meaning of Eid, and we hope to carry that on.

For me, it’s important to visit our elders, to show respect, and to welcome family and friends into our home with open hearts. Eid is about sharing, giving, being together, and spreading love.

Farah Khan
Khans of London
@khansoflondon

“Eid means getting together with family and loved ones we don’t always get to see, especially with how busy life can be. It’s also about the children, making memories with their cousins.

I remember going Eid shopping weeks in advance with my sisters, picking out new clothes, bangles, and matching shoes. And waking up to the smell of freshly cooked seviyan. That’s what really made it feel like Eid.

Now, with so many children in the family, we make it really special for them. We decorate, exchange lots of presents, and spend the whole day enjoying good food together.

One tradition I’ll never miss is making sure my kids wake up to that same smell of warm seviyan in the morning. It’s something small, but it means everything.

This year, we’re having a big family get-together, around 20 of us. We’ve even ordered food so the women can actually enjoy the day out of the kitchen. It’s going to be such a lovely day, full of family and lots of indulging.”

Nadia Ahmed
Nadia’s Collection
@collectionbynadia

“I’ve celebrated Eid with friends before, and it’s always been such a wonderful experience.

Seeing all the children having fun, being surrounded by family and friends. It really fills me with joy. There’s just so much love in the atmosphere.

Being part of this campaign felt so special. I felt beautiful, the fabrics are so free-flowing, comfortable, yet glamorous. It’s such a privilege to wear Khans of London, a brand I really admire.

I love celebrating different cultures because you learn so much, and it’s lovely to see the similarities with my own Sikh Punjabi culture. What I love most about Eid is the feeling. It’s so welcoming, so giving, and full of love.

With so much division in the world, I think it’s really important to show unity and appreciation for all faiths and cultures. For me, being part of this campaign is a way of expressing that and showing support to the Muslim community.”

Renu Kaur Gill
Sweet Hollywood
@sweethollywood

“I’ve had the privilege of celebrating Eid with all my Muslim friends, and what stayed with me most was the warmth and inclusivity.

There’s something so special about the way people come together, sharing food, laughter, and genuine hospitality. It felt like being welcomed into something meaningful and full of joy.

Being part of this campaign feels incredibly special, as being Hindu-Gujarati and growing up with a big family, we have always supported various cultural celebrations as part of our community and our industry networks, and it feels amazing to embrace diverse faith celebrations. I see it as an opportunity to respectfully appreciate the beauty and cultural significance behind Eid fashion. There’s so much pride and thought in how people present themselves, and it’s inspiring to be part of that, and glammed-up Pakistani designs from Khans of London and exquisite jewels by Nadia’s Collection.

I think celebrating different cultures is so important. It creates understanding, empathy, and connection. It reminds us how powerful representation and inclusivity can be.

What I love most about Eid is the atmosphere. It’s filled with joy, generosity, and such a strong sense of community. That feeling of togetherness is what makes it so memorable.”

Anisha Vasani
Anisha Vasani Creates and Luxurist Magazine
@anishavasanicreates