Globalization extends to the colourful and varied world of festivals, and nowhere is this more robustly realized and relished than in our own country, India. How else can one explain the growing fascination with one of the most patently Western festivals, Halloween, which is celebrated with pomp and pageantry across the country, albeit in the more elite sections of society?

Halloween originated as a Celtic festival 2000 years ago called Samhain (pronounced sow-in) on a day which marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the winter, October 31st. The Celts held that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth on that day. They also believed that the presence of these spirits enabled the Druids or priests to foretell the future. To commemorate this event, celebrations with bonfires, costumery (to ward off ghosts) and fortune-telling abounded.

By the early and mid-1900s, Halloween had become a community-centered and secular holiday, especially in the USA, with Tricking and Treating becoming a platform for community-bonding for children and adults alike. This custom involves children in costumes going from house-to-house, asking for treats with the phrase "Trick or treat". The "treat" is usually some form of candy. The "trick" refers to a threat, usually idle, to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given.

Pumpkins are inevitably associated with Halloween, not only as a traditional food serving (Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Risotto, Pumpkin Ravioli, Pumpkin Devilled Eggs, Ghost on Pumpkin Cupcake), but as carved jack-o’-lanterns. Historically used with lighted candles inside to distract spirits, these carved works of art soon became a Halloween regular and continues in contemporary times to this day.

Initially in India, Halloween was celebrated by the American and European expats living here. That soon spread to the party circuit including Indians, and now it’s celebrated with vigour by party-goers across metros, at home and in hotels. Many star hotels host Halloween parties which are hugely popular.

If you are considering throwing a party at Halloween, plan for the decor starting now. The Pumpkin is a must-feature item: think a bar cart with faux pumpkins, copper-accented hammered pitcher and mugs, pumpkin-coloured straws and pumpkin-face ice bucket. Not to forget, skeleton wine glasses!

Place a pumpkin and gourd wreath on your front door to welcome guests.

Some antique artefacts like granite or marble busts and masks, and Gothic touches in salvers, napkins, cushions will enhance the spooky quotient in your living room.

Dress up your dining table with masks, candlesticks and clocks in the colours purple, black, and pink and gold to bring on the spooky vibes.

We can custom-make these luscious wooden pumpkins, offset by the white chairs, the rustic wooden dining table and the wooden shelves, giving you a complete makeover for your Halloween-themed kitchen.

If you like what you see and want us to design and manufacture distinctive furniture to enhance the experience at your home/establishment, do write to us at [email protected] You can also call +91 90727 87773, Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm.

Please visit our website, https://artisansrose.com for more on what we do.

We spearhead interior design and architecture projects along with our esteemed partners and elevate and enhance spaces (home and commercial) to our clients’ complete satisfaction.