Eid celebrations galore

As the ongoing holy month of Ramadan is about to culminate with the Eid al-Fitr celebration on June 4 or 5 (depending on the moon sighting), we take a look at the various trends that are on the rise as the season for Iftar parties picks up in full swing. Speaking to city-based foodies and designers, we navigate through the popular trends in food and fashion for this Islamic holiday.

While any Iftar party is incomplete without delicious food, celebration with your friends and family over a hearty meal is must. If you are in the capital, don’t forget to binge on these popular treats from Old Delhi suggests Ishita Yashvi, co-founder of Biryani Central. She mentions, “While one can always enjoy Ramadan treats in the local parts of Delhi like Jama Masjid and the famous jalebi wala in Chandini Chowk, one can also order some special dishes that are most loved for Iftar. Classic dishes like Haleem, Paya biryani, Kakori kebab, Sheermal, and Aam Panna are among the quintessential Eid favourites along with Sewaiyan, the most delightful dessert.”

Usually, most households have a favourite Eid recipe, which is cooked in an authentic way by the elder women of the family, but with changing times, people have also started ordering bulk treats from home delivery outlets. Speaking about the capital’s food culture, Ahsan Qureshi, founder of Namak Mandi, informs, “One can savour authentic dishes in the old parts of Delhi like Nizamuddin and Ustad Moinuddin kebabs in Chawri Bazar. For those who prefer to order food at home, special Iftar menu with dishes like Raan, Galawati kebab, Haleem, Dum Naknavi biryani, Kesar Malai Phirnee, and Thandai is quite popular this season.”

For women, the joyous occasion is incomplete without some traditional fashion. To incorporate the classic and conventional trends with a modern twist, style expert Shraddha from Pernia's Pop-Up Shop, suggests, “For an Iftar party, keep your look simple and chic this year.

Opt for Shararas or Ghararas with comfortable kurtas in soft and pastel shades. Keep your accessories simple with a pair of earrings and a maang tikka or ring. Complete your look with a pair of floral Juttis for an effortlessly elegant look.”

Before you step out to enjoy an Iftar party, bear in mind that one must keep the outfit minimal and neutral to respect the spirit of the festival. Designer Arpita Mehta recommends fusion wear would be ideal to experiment. She says, “One can never go wrong with a two-piece set. Think lots of florals in beautiful pastel tones, embellished mirror work and the addition of sea-shells. Try layering – embellished jackets over sharara pants or a jacket over a flowy lehenga in lightweight materials. Kaftans are my personal favorite silhouette this season; they are effortlessly stylish and comfortable at the same time.

One can also make their head-scarf or hijab the focal point of their entire look by experimenting with bold colors, patterns, and textures.”

Eid fashion is all about the glamour, embellishments with sparkly jazz and opulent embroideries. This is the best time for women to flash their jazzy dresses, abaayas and their heavy accessories. Designer Swapna Anumolu, founder at Mishru, sums up, “Eid is an auspicious time where women love wearing heavy embroidered dresses. Shararas, floor-length Kurtas, heavily embellished skirts, and Indo-western anarakalis can be worn for Eid. Opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon and silk in pastel shades like mauve, lavender and baby pink with heavy embellishments.”