Exclusive | Sana Makbul on sharing fond childhood memories of Eid: 'One festival where I go all out'

Recalling her childhood, Sana spoke about the excitement of receiving Eidi and how it shaped her early memories. “On Eid, when you save money in a piggy bank for a year, the money accumulates. In a day, a lot of money comes in, and then you can buy whatever you want,” she shared. Back then, even a small amount felt like a big reward. “By the end of the day, it used to become Rs 200-300. It felt really good—like wow, I’ve collected so much.”

She also revealed how she would spend that money as a child. “I ate my favourite dish and bought a good pen, pencil, or book for myself,” she said. While the value of Eidi may have changed over time, the sentiment remains the same. “Now Rs 200-300 doesn’t count as Eidi. Now you need a lot of Eidi… maybe even a gift,” she joked. “But even today, my parents, my elder sister, and a friend make sure I get something. It can be a rupee or a chocolate it’s just the feeling.”

Eid preparations, for Sana, are just as important as the celebration itself. “If I’m celebrating, I’ll obviously plan my outfit. I love applying mehendi, though shoots make it difficult sometimes,” she said.

Food remains at the heart of her Eid memories, especially dishes made at home. “That’s my mom’s kheer and Eid biryani. That biryani is never made otherwise,” she shared. Admitting she doesn’t cook, Sana added, “No matter how much my mom tries, that taste and that love that is the real Eid vibe.”