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- Published: October 30, 2023 16:53
The deceased are honoured on Halloween Day. The holiday, which is extensively observed in the United States and certain European countries, has its roots in ancient Celtic customs. Attendees put out extra effort by dressing the part and applying spooky makeup for this celebration. On Halloween, people wear scary costumes, go door-to-door asking for treats while sipping pumpkin-flavoured beverages and displaying jack-o’-lanterns fashioned from gourds to set the mood.
Halloween Day is celebrated on October 31 every year, on the Christian festival of All Saints’ Day.
The festival has become more significant throughout the years, not just as a Western celebration but also as a part of global popular culture.
History and Significance
In addition to its strong connection to All Saints Day, many people attribute Halloween’s roots to a celebration that took place in Celtic lands two thousand years ago. Celtic communities marked the start of a new year on November 1, with Halloween serving as a New Year’s Eve celebration on October 31. Samhain, the Irish word for Halloween, means “summer’s end” in English. Halloween traditionally signalled the end of summer not just in Ireland but throughout Europe, particularly in the northern latitudes.
The celebration came to America because of Irish immigration during the 1840s potato crisis. They practised festive traditions like pranking neighbours by picking dates from their front doors or bobbing for apples.
The primary purpose of Halloween is to protect against evil and destructive forces.
5 most spooky places in India
On Halloween, you can just visit any spooky places to make the day more enjoyable.
1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan
A 16th-century fort built by Raja Madho Singh, Man Singh’s younger brother, lies 50km from the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. According to folklore, a Tantrik loved Princess Ratnavati of Bhangarh. He attempted black magic to woo her over, but she discovered this and threw the charmed oil she planned to use on a rock, smashing the Tantrik. Before dying, the Tantrik cursed the village to be destroyed. Visitors are still barred from the fort after dark, and some have experienced paranormal activity.
2. Dumas Beach, Surat
Dumas Beach was once a burial ground. Perhaps this explains why many people say they’ve seen paranormal activity here. There have been many reports of individuals whispering on the beach. There have also been cases when people have gone out for a nightly stroll but never returned.
3. Tunnel 33, Shimla
Colonel Barog’s ghost is said to haunt Shimla’s Tunnel 33. This is one of India’s most haunted places. The colonel shot himself in the tunnel after being dismissed for his tunnel construction error. The Colonel was buried in the incomplete tunnel out of respect. Locals say he haunts the tunnel and never left the place.
4. Malcha Mahal, Delhi
The Tughlaq-era Malcha Mahal, also called the Wilayat Mahal, was a hunting lodge. Begum Wilayat Mahal, who was 62 years old when she committed suicide on September 10, 1993, consumed crushed diamonds. It is often believed to be one of India’s most haunted locations because visitors report feeling an overwhelming sense of energy there.
5. Kuldhara, Rajasthan
Locals refer to Kuldhara as the “Ghost Village of India.” The story says that a minister had his heart set on marrying a Paliwal woman. After his desire was rejected; he warned the locals of disastrous consequences. As a result, the Paliwals, and people from 83 other villages evacuated the area throughout the night. That’s why certain towns are still deserted decades later.