If one finds a shopping list lying on the road that reads: one big bottle blood, fangs, one packet nails, skeleton for decoration and hair, chances are that one would consider handing it over to the police. However, this is exactly what the shopping list that 10-year-old Amitaj had clutched in his fist while shopping at a shop selling Halloween costumes looked like.
The festival has become an excuse for both kids and adults to dress up and have a little fun.
Party stores, costume shops and make-up artists are gearing up to cash in on the trend to transform people into creepy characters ahead of Halloween on October 31.
Shivani Chandhok, owner of Party Hunterz, a shop filled with wigs, hats, costumes, faux blood, masks and a host of other items to create a variety of looks, says: “Over the last four years there has been a steep rise in the popularity of the festival and we specially import costumes as well as decor to create a complete Halloween experience.” This year Shivani says the craze started two-three weeks back as many people threw Halloween theme card parties to add a bit of fun to the celebrations. It is also a craze with children who want to have vampire or zombie-themed birthday parties.
People have started getting quite serious about their look, adds Shivani as many popular pubs and nightclubs in the city are throwing parties that give prizes to the best dressed at the event.
Ravi Kumar, first year student in Delhi University, says he is excited to be celebrating his first Halloween especially since his friends have thought of an innovative idea. They are having a party in which one has to come dressed like an Indian politician. “I have already bought a muffler and am looking to borrow a WagonR car to go to the party,” he says with a smile.
Pranav Sawhney, culture manager of Social, says they are having an event which is by costume only. This is to create an experience in which only people who are serious about attending a Halloween party will attend. The décor will be done up in a way that is not in your face but is sure to provide the right thrills. Pranav says although the festival is extremely popular with the expatriate community, the response to the event is mostly from Delhiites who have travelled across the world and are familiar with the tradition of Halloween.
Some resident welfare associations of condominiums in Gurgaon are also organising events for kids as there are many foreigners living in their complex.
