Henna Night for Ramadan

Events

Date

18 Feb 2026

Time

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Price

FREE

Location

Polden Commons

Location

Polden Commons

Celebrate, create, connect

Mark the moment this Ramadan

Get ready to celebrate Ramadan with creativity and community at our Henna Night, a relaxed and welcoming event where residents can decorate themselves and each other with beautiful henna designs while learning about the meaning behind this tradition.

Henna, or mehndi, has a long history in many cultures, especially across parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. During Ramadan and Eid celebrations, applying henna is a joyful way to mark special moments and express personal style, friendship, and togetherness. It’s not a religious requirement, but it is a meaningful cultural tradition for many people who observe Ramadan; a time of reflection, fasting, and community. Sharing henna designs is a way to connect with others, celebrate identity, and enjoy creative expression together.

Whether you already love henna or you’ve never tried it before, this night is open to everyone. Bring your curiosity, your ideas, or just your openness to try new things. We’ll have henna cones, design inspiration sheets, and ResLife Ambassadors who can offer guidance or try designs on you. You can play with simple patterns or dive into more intricate ones - it’s all about having fun, experimenting, and connecting with others.

This event is a chance to learn from one another, celebrate diversity, and make new friends in a warm and relaxed setting. Whether you’re celebrating your own culture or excited to learn about someone else’s, everyone is welcome to take part, ask questions, and enjoy the creative atmosphere this Ramadan.

Polden Commons is located on the ground floor of Polden B Block, next to the Polden Cafe. The room is fully accessible with steps free access and a range of both booth and table seats available. There are accessible toilets located on the same floor.

ResLife Ambassadors will be there to welcome you and you’ll be able to recognise them in their light blue RLA hoodies and t-shirts with the ResLife logo on.

You’ll be welcomed by ResLife Ambassadors when you arrive, who can explain how henna works and what the evening involves. The event will take place in one room with tables set up for sitting in small groups. Some tables will have design sheets for inspiration, and others will be spaces where you can practise on paper before trying a design on skin.

You can choose whether you’d like to apply henna on yourself, try a design on a friend, or have someone else do a design for you. Helpers will be around to offer guidance, demonstrate simple patterns, and answer questions. There’s no expectation to be artistic or experienced, simple dots, lines, and small shapes are just as welcome as detailed designs.

The atmosphere will be relaxed and social, with quiet conversation rather than loud music. There may be the natural scent of henna in the room, and people chatting at nearby tables. You’re free to move around, take breaks, or step outside for a breather at any time and return when you’re ready.

Henna paste needs time to dry, so designs will be done slowly and carefully. You can stay as long as you like, and it’s completely okay to just watch, chat, and learn about the cultural significance of henna during Ramadan if you don’t want a design yourself.

There’s no pressure to share personal experiences, talk about religion, or know lots about Ramadan. Whether you’re celebrating, curious, or just want a calm creative activity, you’re welcome to join in at whatever level feels comfortable for you.

If you would like to attend more events like this one, make sure to check the ResLife Events page regularly for our latest updates.

For more ways to connect, you can see events hosted by the SU here, as well as information on societies and how you can join.

Please note:

We have photographers and film-makers at some of our events to capture footage to share online and for use in future promotional materials. If you don't want to be featured, please inform a member of the ResLife Team.