British Asians are embracing Halloween like never before, blending tradition, creativity, and community spirit with a touch of desi flair.
Across the UK, homes light up not only with diyas for Diwali but also with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, cobwebs, and imaginative decorations. For many, Halloween has become a joyful celebration that bridges cultures, a fusion of Western festivity and South Asian warmth.
Children dive into the excitement with colourful costumes and trick-or-treating adventures, while grown-ups enjoy transforming their homes into playful themed spaces and reconnecting with neighbours and friends. From ghostly games to pumpkin-carving sessions, British Asians are adding their own vibrant twist to Halloween, celebrating it with unmistakable style and flair.
Rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, Halloween in the UK carries a sense of mystery and nostalgia, marking a time when people believed the boundary between the living and the spirit world was at its thinnest. Today, the festival continues to unite families and communities and British Asians are making it their own, with creativity, joy, and a sense of shared celebration.
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London-based community member and festive enthusiast Aekta M Patel, who adores Halloween, shared, “As a Hindu living in London, celebrating Halloween has become one of my favorite traditions. Born and raised here, I’ve embraced the joy and excitement that it brings, especially for my 7 year-old son, Reyaan. Halloween offers a wonderful opportunity for creativity and imagination, where our home transforms into a magical wonderland filled with spooky decorations. Every year, we go all out with carved pumpkins to cobwebs and skeletons. Our annual kids’ party is a highlight, where friends gather to enjoy games, spooky treats, and, of course, an assortment of costumes. It’s lovely to see the joy on children’s faces as they immerse themselves in the fun. For me, Halloween is about community, laughter, and a chance to create unforgettable memories together.”
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Historian Sushma Jansari shared her love for this vibrant time of year, saying, “My favourite month of the year is October, and not only because it’s my birthday! We love the bright festivities of Diwali which we celebrate with family, and we also enjoy the fun frightfulness of Halloween! A group of us head out trick or treating and I enjoy throwing a party with homemade scary treats for my daughter and her friends too. Chocolate cobwebs, snakes in venomous jelly, worms emerging from rotten cake… and so much more!”
