Double double, toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble!" No, the witches from Macbeth are not paying Delhi a visit, but with Halloween round the corner it could well be the slogan for party hoppers this week.
Halloween, which falls on October 31, is the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a day to honour the dead, and was referred to as 'All Hallows Eve'. While some people view it as day for parties, tricks and treats, others view it as a time of superstitions, ghosts, goblins and evil spirits that should be avoided at all costs. Restaurants across Delhi are set to celebrate Halloween with theme parties, treats, and costumes in tow. "Play around with the pumpkin, use LED lights inside it and wear it as a headgear," suggests city-based designer Nida Mahmood.
The Living Room Café in Hauz Khas, has 'haunted house' as a theme this year. "Halloween is one of our most popular nights, our regulars look forward to it," says Harsh Chaturvedi, events and marketing manager. "They usually dress up as dead celebrities, gremlins and witches," he adds.
The Hell Pizza Pub in GK-I, which opened earlier this year, is hosting its first Halloween night. "The décor will be all creepy, with our staff dressed in Halloween attire," says owner Jigyasa Dua. The restaurant will also have a resident artist for those interested in getting devilish tattoos on themselves. DJ Hashback Hashish and visual artist named 'ThatGirl' will also be performing.
{{/usCountry}}The Hell Pizza Pub in GK-I, which opened earlier this year, is hosting its first Halloween night. "The décor will be all creepy, with our staff dressed in Halloween attire," says owner Jigyasa Dua. The restaurant will also have a resident artist for those interested in getting devilish tattoos on themselves. DJ Hashback Hashish and visual artist named 'ThatGirl' will also be performing.
{{/usCountry}}The F-Bar and Lounge at The Ashok has named its Halloween night 'Tales from the Crypt', after the popular American horror series. "We plan to have 10-15 people romping across the floor, in groups of 3-4 for the effect of Halloween, instead of the usual props," says Arjun Jha, events in-charge. Plus a stall that will sell Halloween props such as witch hats and devil horns.
Looking for stores that stock zany Halloween costumes? Party Hunterz in Kailash Colony is the place to head to. Last year's Halloween saw more than 300 people visit the store on a single day. Says owner Aditya Kapur, "People come from even Chandigarh to buy stuff." The Lady Gaga look is among the most popular. "People want to buy Lady Gaga wigs, makeup, costumes, etc," he says.
The Party Shop in Khan Market is another place to get good witch/devil costumes. "The Jack 'O Lantern look is generally popular, but many kids love the Jack Sparrow look from Pirates of the Caribbean," says owner Rajiv Mehra. Their sales for Halloween continue right upto November 1 every year he adds.
So get out your cauldron, put it on a boil, and get into those witches/wizard costumes. After all, 'tis the time to eat, drink and be scary!
Happy Halloween!