Rhode Island to Hyderabad: My Halloween Adventure
From the haunted streets of Boston to the vibrant fall foliage of New Hampshire, my Halloween journey was a wild ride. With every costume change, spooky tale, and jack-o’-lantern, my passion grew. Halloween’s magic had crossed borders, capturing my heart forever.
Image Credit : Self
As autumn’s golden hue descends, whispers of the season awaken Halloween’s eerie charm. For me, this holiday was once a foreign fascination, a glimpse into American culture through storybooks and movies. But in 2010, my husband and I stepped into Rhode Island’s haunting beauty, and the spell was cast.
Our initiation into the Halloween world began with Rhode Island’s autumn festivities. Vibrant decorations, pumpkin patches, and haunted attractions sparked our curiosity, drawing us deeper into the shadows.
In 2013, my parents joined us for a thrilling Boston Spooky Walk. With EMF meters in hand, we navigated haunted streets, uncovering tales of witches, ghosts, and mysterious events.
Next, we ventured to a local farm, where gargantuan pumpkins competed for size and artistry. The Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular dazzled us with hundreds of carved pumpkins illuminating the night. After Halloween, we drove through New Hampshire’s breathtaking landscapes. The Kancamagus Highway’s winding roads and vibrant fall colors left us spellbound. The leaves, now ablaze with hues of orange, red, and yellow, seemed to dance in the gentle breeze.
Uncovering Halloween’s Dark Roots
As I delved deeper into Halloween’s traditions, I discovered its ancient Celtic roots. Samhain, a festival marking the harvest season’s end, evolved into All Hallows’ Eve, and eventually, Halloween. The Celts believed that on October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, and spirits roamed the earth.
The Conjuring: A Haunted Legacy
After watching “The Conjuring” movie, I became obsessed with the Perron family’s haunting story. In 2014, I visited the infamous Arnold Estate, the actual location of the haunting, from outside. The Farm on Round Top Rd, with its eerie aura, left me chilled.
Years later, I returned to the Arnold Estate for a guided tour. As I stepped inside, a shiver ran down my spine. Our guide shared spine-tingling tales of paranormal activity, and I felt the weight of the Perron family’s experiences. The creaking floorboards, the narrow corridors, and the eerie basement seemed to whisper secrets.
Spreading the Spirit: PBEL City’s First Halloween Party
Back in Hyderabad, India, my passion for Halloween grew. I volunteered to organize the first-ever Halloween party in our community, PBEL City. Donning a vampire costume, I welcomed hundreds of kids in elaborate attire. The sheer joy of seeing tiny superheroes, ghosts, and princesses was unforgettable.
As my daughter grew older, our Halloween celebrations became more elaborate. We planned her costumes, from fairy to princess, witch, and vampire. This year, she’s determined to conjure Bellatrix Lestrange, the iconic Harry Potter character.
Halloween transcends borders and cultures, speaking through laughter, excitement, and community. It’s a time for family, friends, and neighbors to come together.
Some Spellbinding Halloween Facts:
- The world’s largest pumpkin tipped the scales at over 2,600 pounds!
- Candy corn was once “Chicken Feed,” a sweet treat for the brave.
- Black cats, once feared as omens, now prowl as beloved Halloween symbols.
- Bobbing for apples originated from an ancient Roman courting ritual.
What’s your favorite Halloween memory or tradition? Do you have a go-to costume or a spine-tingling tale? Join the conversation and let’s cast a spell of excitement!
Get ready for a howling good time!
Anamika Chakravorty, Content Writer and Creator for SheSight Magazine Global, Chef, Dancer, Social Media Influencer & Life Coach.
