Eid preparations in full swing as Ramadan ends

As Ramadan ends following 30 days of prayer and fasting, Muslims across Kenya are abuzz with excitement, making final preparations for the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.

The government has declared Wednesday a public holiday for the festivities.

For many, the last day of Ramadan is dedicated to ensuring everything is in place for Eid.

In markets, last-minute shoppers hustle to buy clothes and stock essential food items for the special day, and at salons and barbershops, women line up for henna decorations while men get haircuts to ensure they look their best.

To cope with the surge in demand, some salons and barbershops extend their opening times well into the night.

In Eastleigh on Tuesday, malls and shops were packed with eager last-minute shoppers searching for the perfect Eid wares, while wholesale food stores were brimming with shoppers purchasing foodstuffs for the Eid feast.

A Muslim woman displays her henna prints on April 9, 2024, obtained as part of preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Business booming

Preparations were also in top gear in Kwale County, with Muslims performing similar activities and trying to beat the last-minute rush.

Maimuna Mohammed, a henna artist in Diani, said that since day 26 of fasting, her salon has operated round the clock due to a surge in the number of customers.

"I usually have four employees but I was forced to add three to meet the demand. We are now eight in number and are working in shifts. We open our doors at 5 am and close them at midnight," she said.

Maimuna added that her clients ask for services including henna prints, brow shaping, bleach application, and hair relaxing.

Asha Omar, a client, noted that one part of the Eid culture is for a married woman to adorn herself for her husband.

"I have been here since 6.30 am yet it is only now, 10.45 am, that I am being attended to," she said.

At the Diani shopping centre, only a few people were seen, as the majority prefer to shop at Marikiti during Ramadan due to the variety offered.

Clothes sellers said business has been much better this year.

"Last year the sales were low but we thank God that this year many people are purchasing clothes," said Ali Hassan, who owns a boutique in Ibiza.

Fadhila Juma, a food vendor, said they experienced a boom in the last 10 days of Ramadhan.

"We are grateful for this month because our businesses have been doing great," she said.

Hundreds take part in the Tahajud prayers at Masjid Abubakar in Eastleigh on April 6, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Order of the day

On the morning of Eid, children don their new clothes and are showered with gifts and money, adding to the excitement and joy of the day.

Before heading for prayers, Muslims fulfil their religious obligations by paying zakat, the charitable contribution to support the less fortunate.

With the call of "Allahu Akbar" echoing across the streets, Muslims gather in open spaces to perform the Eid prayer, showcasing pivotal moments of unity and spirituality.

Reciting takbeerat and praising God with the words "Allahu Akbar," they express gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan and rejoice in the spirit of community and faith.

In Nairobi, Eid prayers will be held at various locations, including the Sir Ali Muslim Club, Lang'ata Primary School, and the Jamia Mosque in the central business district.

In Eastleigh, prayers will take place at venues such as Eastleigh High School, the BBS Mall, Maina Wanjigi Secondary School, and Zawadi Primary School.

In the coastal city of Mombasa, Eid prayers will be held at Tononoka Grounds, and in Garissa town, they will take place at the General Mohamud Grounds.

In Mandera, faithful will gather at the Jamia Mosque grounds while in Wajir Eid prayers will be performed at the Orahey grounds.

In cases of bad weather, prayers will be confined to mosques.