Halloween is celebrated in India, predominantly in urban and cosmopolitan areas, mainly through themed parties, costumes, decorations, and cinema- influenced activities. While not rooted in traditional Indian culture, Halloween has gained popularity in many cities and among younger people, corporate events, malls, and entertainment venues often organize Halloween- themed events on October 31. Trick-or-treating is less common, but some affluent neighborhoods and communities host kid-friendly activities like pumpkin carving and face painting. You’ll also find Halloween-adjacent awareness in pop-culture contexts, such as horror movie screenings and social media trends, which help drive its visibility in India.

Key notes on regional and cultural parallels:

• India has its own regional traditions around spirits and ancestors, such as Bhoot Chaturdashi in Bengal and Theyyam in Kerala, which share thematic connections to Halloween’s focus on the supernatural, light, and storytelling. These festivals are not Halloween per se but are culturally resonant in spirit and atmosphere.

• In recent years, mainstream media, entertainment, and consumer brands have helped normalize Halloween consumption (costumes, candy, parties) in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.

• Official or authoritative sources in India often describe Halloween as a Western festival that has been adopted in a largely commercial and social context, rather than a traditional Hindu or Indian festival.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific city in India or provide a short guide on how a first-time host could plan a safe, culturally sensitive Halloween event in India.