Halloween Festivals in Chennai- A Growing Trend

Halloween is a famous festival in Western countries and has slowly taken root in Chennai. What used to be celebrated by very few people, foreigners or cultural lovers, has today evolved into a widely celebrated festival by young locals. While it is not the most famous festival in Chennai, kids and adults are increasingly warming up to Halloween celebrations, including theme parties and trick-or-treating. 

Since the city is becoming progressively younger, people have started embracing international celebrations, and Halloween, with its entertainment, fun, and creativity aspects, fits the bill. Starting as themed parties in restaurants and bars, the trend has spread to other spheres like malls, schools, and many residential areas, which organize Halloween parties. 

Social media has also not been left behind; people have posted their creativity in costumes and other spooky decorations they saw and wanted to become part of the occasion. 

Before we go any further, let us understand Halloween celebrations from its history and its relevance in Chennai. 

History of Halloween? 

Halloween has inherited roots in the pre-Christian Celtic celebration of Samhain, which occurred more than 2000 years ago in Ireland, the UK and northern France. The Halloween tradition originated from Celtic people who believed spirits could cross over from the other side into the world on the last day of October. Other activities included lighting bonfires and wearing costumes of animal heads and skins in the hunt for evil spirits. This festival was celebrated during the last days of the harvest season and the initial days of winter termed the death period. The actual name “Samhain” itself has been synonymous to ‘summer’s end’, which marked the start of what is referred to as the darker half of the year. 

For example, when Christianity came to the area of Celts, which could have been due to Roman influence, many pagan rituals were incorporated into Christianity. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved this observation to November 1, unofficially called All Saints Day, while October 31 was called All Hallows’ Eve. In this manner, the traditions of Samhain evolved into this Christian holiday while retaining both pagan and religious elements, such as putting candles for the dear and putting on costumes and masks because, in essence, one would want to deceive the evil spirits. As the ancient practices began to fade throughout the years and Christianity emerged, so did the influences for changing the celebration. 

Halloween was imported to North America by the Irish and Scottish immigrants, who hammered out the modern Halloween customs in the nineteenth century. In the United States of America, Halloween was a community celebration in the early twentieth century where children went around their neighbourhoods asking for treats at home, families carved lanterns from pumpkins and have parties in costumes. Due to commercial promotion, especially in the United States, the popularity of Halloween reached unprecedented levels, and other aspects of Halloween, such as candy, costumes, and decorations, became a multibillion-dollar industry. At present the World Halloween is commonly observed in many countries, although they still undergo periodic transformations because of acculturation.

The same goes for India as well. Halloween has become less associated with religion and a fun and joyous festival, with many interactive Halloween events where people dress up in costumes and engage in spooky themes. 

How does Chennai Celebrate Halloween? 

Halloween Parties

During Halloween in Chennai, there are several interactive Halloween parties and events with themes like horror. These mainly entail turning a house into a horror house or playing scary tunes. Most places host notable Halloween-themed food fests where people can order and eat. 

School Events 

It has also become popular for many schools to celebrate Halloween, where children dress in costumes, act out plays, or have an assembly where they tell Halloween ghost stories, children can also make their masks and Halloween decorations at school.

Community Celebrations and Workshops

Several residential societies and apartments in Chennai have developed Halloween celebrations tailored to children for the past few years. These may include costume parades, face painting competitions, pumpkin carving competitions, and games. Some communities even devise what is known as “haunted houses” to contribute to the festive mood. 

Trick-or-Treating

One of the best interactive Halloween events is Trick-or-treating is one of the favourite activities among children and is gradually becoming a tradition in some districts. Specifically, parents organize themselves with the neighbours so children can go from house to house in the costumes they wear to exchange candies and treats. This includes exposure to a new culture and advocates for unity and togetherness of the community. 

Mall Events and Promotions: 

Chennai’s shopping malls, like Express Avenue, Phoenix Market City, and VR Chennai, do not take time to adopt the trend. Some activities they pull during Halloween are flash mobs, makeup tutorials, costume competitions, and retail store offers. Some convert certain mall parts into ‘haunted’ areas with webs, skeletons, and darkened lighting. 

While Halloween celebrations are still a very new concept in Chennai, they are a growing celebration that many youngsters look forward to.  

Best Halloween Costumes 

Here are some of the best Halloween costumes that you must try wearing this Halloween: 

• Ghosts Costume [ All you need is a white blanket and a marker to draw eyes] 
• Witch [Pointy Hat,  broomstick and a black dress] 
• Zombie [Torn clothes, fake blood and bruise marks] 
• Clown [Classic red nose, colourful wig and clothes] 
• Superheroes [From Marvel to DC, you will never run out of a superhero to cosplay, making it on the best Halloween costumes] 
• Pirate [Eye patch, bandana, and a sword] 
• Werewolf [A wolf costume, with wold ears]
• Mummy [Cover yourself in strips, fabrics or bandages] 

These are some of the best Halloween costumes, that are widely used and super easy to prepare.

The Future Of Halloween In Chennai 

Halloween is not a fad in Chennai and doesn’t remain confined to trends for a few days; it has been embraced wholeheartedly in Chennai, which has had its doors open to welcome the world culture and its bent towards looking for more ideas to have some of the best fun moments ever. There is likely to be even further event growth in the years to come, with more event occurrences, higher participation, and various events. Therefore, there will be a massive rise in the popularity of Halloween celebrations and Halloween activities in Chennai. 

Places to go during Halloween 

Feathers Hotel in Chennai offers many Halloween celebrations, making it the perfect place to spend your evening. 

Skyloft 

If you are in the mood for a night filled with eerie vibes, fantastic music, and unforgettable memories, enjoy a 20% discount on our menu and sip on Halloween special cocktails. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now by calling 60095 25541 /  78239 77815. 

Vapor

On the other hand, if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy Halloween simultaneously, then Vapor Lounge is your go-to destination. You also get a 25% discount on your bill on October 31st. call- 78239 77813 / 78239 52688/ 73050 03391   

Waterside 

A Halloween-themed dinner is the best way to end your night, and Waterside is an ideal destination. Enjoy a ghoulishly festive night by the waterside with delicious food and a menu curated specially for Halloween. To know more, call 73050 03390 / 78239 52689

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Halloween is a festival here to stay! As the year goes on, we will find more and more people celebrating Halloween activities and celebrations. With a more interactive Halloween events and Halloween activities, we will see a rise in popularity and celebrations! Feathers Hotel Chennai is an ideal place to go to if you are looking for some fun Halloween activities and celebrations. 

Frequently asked questions

1. How popular is Halloween in Chennai? 

Yes, Halloween celebrations are gradually picking up in Chennai, particularly among the youth and families, through activities such as dressing up for a party, trick-or-treating, and community events. 

2. What are the typical activities in Chennai that are associated with Halloween? 

Traditional activities include carnival-type events such as costume parties, pump-carrying, trick-or-treat parties, and other events that ordinarily come with Halloween in malls and communities. 

3. What are some of the ways that families with kids can celebrate Halloween in Chennai? 

Families can go to any community-arranged occasion, celebrate in shopping mall fashion, or even organize a minor trick-or-treat in the neighbourhood.