With Halloween on Monday, people start early celebrations

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Despite being a western tradition, Halloween has been gaining in popularity in India in the last few years, thanks to American TV shows and films. A contraction of “All Hallows’ Eve” it is celebrated on October 31, where people dress up in scary costumes and kids go trick or treating to collect candy from their neighbourhood, a trend that has been catching up in gated communities in the city.

Since Halloween falls on a Monday, a lot of people are celebrating Halloween early this year with many starting on Saturday. Knowhere, a pub in Cooke Town, hosted a Halloween party for dogs with people dressing up their pets for the occasion. Catholic Club too hosted its annual Halloween bash on Saturday, Michelle Pereira-Navarro who attended it said “I think Halloween has always been a big deal in Bangalore.

I’ve been going to Halloween parties for as long as I can remember. I do think there are more spaces for children now. It was always themed parties only for adults, but they’re extending it across ages now.”

“As someone who loves everything horror, it’s right up my alley. I also think it’s the one time a year most adults allow themselves a bit of whimsy and magic. You get caught up in trying to be an adult (whatever that means) for so long, you tend to ignore the part of you that makes space for childlike wonder. Halloween is a great excuse to get back to it without judgment,” she adds.

“What I love about Halloween is the sense of community that comes from embodying a character that is endearing and memorable to the people you’re surrounded by. Makes for interesting conversations and gives you ideas for better costumes for the following year,” says Lava, who will be attending a Halloween party at their friend’s place.

“How I celebrate has changed over the years. Began with trick-or-treating in my teens and graduated to parties with my queer buds in adulthood,” they add. In terms of how long it takes to make a costume they say, “I usually wing it, but I did dress up as Britney from Baby One More Time once.

I DIY my costumes with the clothing I currently own because I never have the time to invest in making a full-fledged costume.” As per how much time Michelle’s outfit took, she says “Honestly, not a lot. Everything I needed I already had at home.

Between the internet and your own brain, a lot can be done with very little if you’re creative enough. I put my outfit together in an hour.” So whether you are going trick or treating or having parties with friends, we hope you celebrate this Halloween safely and spookily.