About Halloween
Halloween on 31 October is the eve of All Saints' Day, known for costumes, carved pumpkins and trick-or-treating. Its roots lie in old European autumn traditions, and today it is a light-hearted party occasion in many Indian cities too.
The name Halloween comes from All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints' Day on 1 November in the Christian calendar. Many of its customs are linked to Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival that marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter, a time when people believed the line between the living and the spirit world grew thin.
Over centuries these traditions blended together. Emigrants from Ireland and Scotland carried them to North America, where Halloween grew into the costume and sweets festival known around the world today. Carved lanterns were once made from turnips before pumpkins became the favourite.
How it is marked
People dress up in costumes, from ghosts and witches to film characters. Children go trick-or-treating, knocking on doors to collect sweets. Homes are decorated with jack-o'-lanterns, cobwebs and candles, and friends gather for scary films or themed parties. In India, Halloween is mostly celebrated in cities, with costume nights at cafés, clubs, malls and some schools, and small gatherings among friends. For most people it is simply a fun, dress-up occasion rather than a religious one.
What to write
Keep it playful and a little spooky, and match the scare level to the person receiving it.
- Wishing you a properly spooky Halloween. Save me the good chocolates, not the leftover toffees.
- Heard you're going as a ghost again. A bedsheet with two holes doesn't count, yaar. Happy Halloween!
- Cannot wait to see what you dress up as this year. Last year's vampire still lives in my phone.
How to wish someone on Halloween
spooky-fun costumes, sweet treats and playful scares shared with friends
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
What colours are associated with Halloween?
Orange and black are the classic Halloween colours. Orange recalls pumpkins and autumn harvests, while black is linked to night and the spooky side of the festival.
Why do people carve pumpkins on Halloween?
Carved lanterns come from an old Irish and Scottish custom of carving faces into turnips and other root vegetables. In North America, pumpkins were larger and easier to carve, so the jack-o’-lantern pumpkin became the familiar symbol.
What should I avoid writing on a Halloween card?
Avoid scares that may upset young children or people who dislike horror, and steer clear of jokes or costume ideas that mock a culture, religion or real tragedy. Light, friendly spookiness works best.
When is Halloween in 2026?
Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
What is Halloween?
Halloween on 31 October is the eve of All Saints' Day, known for costumes, carved pumpkins and trick-or-treating. Its roots lie in old European autumn traditions, and today it is a light-hearted party occasion in many Indian cities too.
Is Halloween a public holiday?
Holiday status for Halloween varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on Halloween?
Focus on spooky-fun costumes, sweet treats and playful scares shared with friends. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated Halloween card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .