In 2024, Diwali and Halloween coincide on October 31, blending two vibrant traditions from different cultures on the same day.
This rare overlap brings a unique opportunity for communities, particularly in multicultural societies like the UK and the US, to celebrate the festival of lights alongside the spooky fun of Halloween. Diwali, the Hindu festival symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, is marked with rows of oil lamps, festive decorations, and elaborate rangoli patterns at homes and temples. Halloween, meanwhile, centres on costumes, pumpkin carvings, trick-or-treating, and a playful exploration of the supernatural.
Blending the celebrations
Both traditions share a theme of lighting up the darkness—Diwali with its lamps and fireworks, Halloween with glowing pumpkins and lanterns.This dual celebration has inspired innovative events in the UK and beyond, with some families choosing to honour both traditions. For example, community centers and schools have arranged events where children and adults dress up in Halloween costumes, light diyas, enjoy traditional Diwali sweets alongside Halloween treats, and participate in both rangoli-making and pumpkin-carving.
The convergence also means an interesting blend of activities in cities with large South Asian communities, such as London and Leicester. Leicester’s “Golden Mile,” known for its spectacular Diwali lights, is likely to see visitors celebrating with even more flair as Halloween revellers join the festivities.
The cultural overlap brings new ways to learn about and appreciate each celebration, fostering a shared spirit of joy and inclusivity. For many, the blending of Diwali’s light and warmth with Halloween’s mysterious and playful atmosphere creates a memorable and distinctive holiday experience, encouraging communities to embrace and respect each other’s traditions in the process.
Did you know of Bhoot Chaturdashi?
Indian equivalent of Halloween, Bhoot Chaturdashi is an intriguing and lesser-known part of the Hindu tradition, celebrated predominantly in West Bengal, India. Occurring on the 14th day of the waning moon, just before Diwali, it holds unique cultural significance.
Rooted in Bengali folklore and mythology, Bhoot Chaturdashi is often described as Bengal’s equivalent to Halloween, marked by customs designed to ward off evil spirits and honour ancestors. The night of Bhoot Chaturdashi, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi in other parts of India, is dedicated to driving away malevolent forces. The term "bhoot" means ghost and the day is traditionally believed to be when spirits, both benevolent and malevolent, roam the earth.
In Bengali households, it is said that on this night, the spirits of 14 ancestors visit their families, seeking blessings and peace. To honour their presence and to seek protection from any wandering negative entities, several rituals are observed.
Halloween related anti-social behaviour
Shifting to a more serious aspect of the celebrations, recent research by Regency Living, specialists in property for the over-50s, reveals that 85% of individuals in this age group experience increased anxiety during the Halloween period. Alarmingly, one-third of those surveyed reported having been victims of anti-social behaviour in their own homes.
Statistics indicate that crime rates across the UK typically rise during the summer and autumn months, with anti-social behaviour associated with Halloween emerging as a significant concern for many communities. An analysis of UK crime data conducted by Regency Living shows that, over the past decade, crime reports in October have been approximately 4.5% higher than the average monthly levels for the rest of the year.
On average, around 125,460 cases of anti-social behaviour have been recorded in October alone over the past ten years. Unsurprisingly, a survey commissioned by Regency Living found that 85% of over-50s feel more anxious than usual during Halloween.
Among the respondents, 35% indicated that they live alone, making Halloween particularly intimidating, and just over 10% (11%) opt not to spend the holiday at home. When asked what contributes to their anxiety during this time, the leading concern was the influx of strangers knocking on their doors for trick-or-treating. This was followed by fears of becoming victims of anti-social behaviour, such as egging, and witnessing anti-social acts while out and about.
Fortunately, only 10% (9%) reported experiencing anti-social behaviour in their local communities, but a concerning 34% admitted to having faced such issues within their own homes. Moreover, only about 10% (9%) of respondents have access to a community watch or similar initiative aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour in their areas.
