Festivals in India That Feel Like Halloween

      India's festivals may not have pumpkins and ghosts, but they share Halloween's spirit — honoring ancestors, driving away darkness, and celebrating light and life.

        “The glow of Diwali lamps keeps darkness away — just like jack-o'-lanterns!”

        Every year on October 31, people in many countries dress up and celebrate Halloween, a night filled with costumes, treats, and spooky fun. While Halloween itself isn't a traditional Indian festival, many Indian celebrations share similar themes—remembering ancestors, protecting against evil, and rejoicing in the victory of good over darkness.

        Pitru Paksha and Bhoot Chaturdashi－Remembering the Spirits

        In September, Hindu families observe Pitru Paksha, a time to honor ancestors through food offerings and prayers.  It's believed that during this fortnight, the souls of the departed visit their loved ones.  Similarly, in West Bengal, the night before Diwali is known as Bhoot Chaturdashi, or “Ghost Fourteenth.”  Families light fourteen oil lamps around their homes to ward off spirits—just like Halloween's jack-o'-lanterns lighting the night.

        Diwali and Holi－Light, Color, and Joy

邱力信

        During the last week of October, we had a Halloween activity.  Teacher Jam taught us to make spider cookies and chocolate. It was sweet and delicious.  After that, we watched a movie.  It was very interesting.  I like this activity because I learned some countries' culture about Halloween.  I like this class very much.

鄭皓澤

        At Tr. Jam's Halloween party, we first made a Halloween snack, which was made of OREO, M&M, and Pocky. It looked like a spider.   Although it was a little too sweet, it was still cute.   After making snacks, Tr. Jam let us watch a scary movie, “Alive”.   It was scary, but we couldn't stop watching.   We ate the snacks while watching the movie. It was the most exciting class ever.

By Adnaan Jinwala (Add)

       Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Homes are decorated with diyas and rangoli, fireworks fill the sky, and families come together to celebrate Lord Rama's triumph over the demon king Ravana. Like Halloween, Diwali symbolizes protection, hope, and togetherness.

       “In Holi's colors, everyone becomes someone new — bright, fearless, and free.”

        In March, Holi brings color and renewal.  On Holika Dahan night, bonfires burn away evil, and the next morning, people throw colored powder and water, laughing and celebrating unity.  Holi's spirit of transformation and playfulness mirrors Halloween's joy of dressing up and letting go of fear.

        Different Traditions, Same Spirit

        From honoring ancestors in Pitru Paksha to burning away evil in Holi, India's festivals express the same ideas that Halloween celebrates—life, light, courage, and renewal.  So while pumpkins and ghosts might be Western symbols, the heart of Halloween—remembering the past and celebrating goodness—has always glowed brightly in India's own traditions.

楊鎧銨

        For our Halloween activity at school, we made a special Halloween treat called “Halloween spider cookies”.  They were made out of Pocky sticks, M&M, and OREO cookies.  They looked cute and spooky at the same time.  After we made the treat, we watched a horror movie titled “Alive”.  It was a little scary but very exciting.  We had lots of fun celebrating Halloween at school.