Halloween in India

Day and Observance:
Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is largely viewed as a Western holiday. In India, its observance is relatively recent and not widespread. The celebration of Halloween is mostly concentrated in metropolitan areas and among the younger demographics, who are influenced by Western culture due to globalization and the presence of expatriate communities.

History and Traditions:
Halloween does not have historical roots in India. Its presence can be attributed to the cultural exchange that comes with globalization. The traditional customs associated with this day, such as costume parties, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, or watching horror movies, are largely adopted from American practices.

Activities:
In India, Halloween is usually marked by themed parties at clubs or private residences. Malls and restaurants may also host events catering to families and children with activities like costume contests or spooky decorations. International schools might organize Halloween-themed events for students to introduce them to different cultural festivities.

While there are no specific Indian traditions associated with Halloween, those who celebrate it in the country tend to blend local elements with borrowed customs from the West. This might include incorporating Indian folklore creatures into costumes or storytelling sessions that involve regional ghost stories.

Given the limited scale of Halloween celebrations in India compared to festivals like Diwali or Holi, it typically passes without much fanfare for the majority of the population. However, its visibility has been increasing due to social media influence and the entertainment industry's adoption of holiday-themed content during this time of year.