Did you know that Halloween has its roots in Paganism?
The time-honoured Halloween traditions of carving pumpkins and wearing scary costumes to ward off evil spirits goes back to the ancient Celtic festival of 'Samhain' (a Gaelic word pronounced "SAH-win") — a Pagan religious celebration which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that Samhain marked a time of transition when the boundary between the world of the living and the dead became blurred. In the 8th century CE, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as 'All Saints Day' to honour saints. Soon after, All Saints Day incorporated some of Samhain's traditions. The evening before All Saints Day was known as All Hallows Eve, which later became Halloween.
Homegrown's ethos, especially during Halloween, is rooted in that same spirit of transformation and evolution. From a Homegrown original short film directed by our co-founder Varsha Patra that explores the idea of alter egos, to architectural projects that redefine the changing nature of community spaces in South Asia, here's what we have for you this week:
Give In To Your Mood With An Original Short Film By Homegrown × Casa Bacardi
Our alter egos are powerful facets that rarely have the chance to emerge. They are the shadows walking beside us, the reflections in mirrors we rarely look into, waiting to unfold. What would happen if we gave in?
Shot entirely in the 77-year-old art deco Liberty Cinema in Mumbai, the Homegrown original short film 'Give In To Your Mood' — directed by Homegrown.co.in co-founder Varsha Patra — follows five characters as they explore different sides of themselves.
Read Anahita's take on the film here.
Listen To 'Nu Delhi': Bloodywood's Latest Single Is A Syncopated Love Letter To India's Capital
With Nu Delhi, Bloodywood dives even deeper into its heartland roots, channeling the pulse of New Delhi into the track. The song’s music video is a thrilling tour through the city, with guitarist-producer Karan Katiyar and videographer Kushagra Nautiyal capturing Delhi’s bustling markets and iconic landmarks. The video even features cameos from local music heroes, including rap duo Seedhe Maut’s Encore ABJ and Subir Malik of Parikrama fame, on harmonium, giving the track a communal air.
Read Disha's take on the single here.
Celebrate The Understated Elegance Of Indian Textile Traditions With Raw Mango's Latest Campaign
Rooted in the colours, philosophies, and cultures of India's handloom craft traditions and community, homegrown design powerhouse Raw Mango's latest campaign for the Garland collection sets itself apart with a narrative approach that feels raw and authentic. Largely unscripted and shot inside a South Delhi home with non-professional models, the campaign captures the spectrum of emotions surrounding an intimate wedding: joy, celebration, disagreements, drunken revelry, and reconciliation.
Read Fathima's story about the campaign here.
Explore Paraloka: Bhavya Ramesh's Latest Collection Is Where “Tradition Meets Futurism”
Homegrown accessories designer Bhavya Ramesh extends the limits of our imaginations, reaching into our ancient past to craft an ethereally Indian, innovative new look. Her latest collection, 'Paraloka', is where "tradition meets futurism".
Read Pari's thoughts on the collection here.
Attend A Homegrown Incubator Event Empowering Indian Craft & Culture
A breeding ground of creative and cultural entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers, Kula Conclave by 200 Million Artisans creates a space for networking that fuels the future of India’s craft sector.
Disha has all the details here.
Celebrate The Literary Arts & The Zeitgeist At Hortus 2024 Festival
Hortus is an art and literary festival taking place in Kozhikode that promises to spark your imagination and reignite your passion for writing. Organized by Malayala Manorama, a media giant with deep literary roots, Hortus takes its name from Hortus Malabaricus, a 17th century encyclopedia documenting the varieties and medicinal properties of the Malabar coast. Learn more here.
Explore 5 South Asian Architectural Projects That Are Redefining Community Spaces For The Modern Age
In 1996, post-modern political geographer and urban theorist Edward Soja defined third spaces as "an ever-changing and dynamic conceptual space that covers physical and mental worlds, merging people's and communities' perceived reality, imagination, and lived experiences".
Learn more about five South Asian architectural projects that have redefined third spaces for the modern age here.
Take A Sip Of Cha: Indulge Your Tea Fix At Kolkata's Best Tearooms
From Office-parra, Kolkata's office district in the historic city centre, to the suburbs in the north, the city is chock-full of hundreds of shops, cabins, and cafés serving tea in all its avatars.
Not all tea is made equal, however. While you'll find a quick fix for your tea cravings anywhere and everywhere in Kolkata, these tearooms across the city do it better than the rest.
Find out all about them here.
Celebrate The Spirit Of Indian Gin And Kapi Culture With FILTR: An Indian Coffee-Inspired Gin Cocktail From Subko × Stranger & Sons
If there have been two avenues in the realm of culinary that have seen innovation in the last decade or so, it has been that of artisanal gin and craft coffee. Keeping a close eye on the shifting perspective towards indulgence, Stranger & Sons, in collaboration with Subko Coffee, has unveiled their latest creation — the FILTR Martini. Intrigued?
Fathima talks all about FILTR here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here’s more from Homegrown:
Manam Theatre: Attend A Month-Long Celebration Of Thespian Storytelling In Hyderabad
‘Maati’ Is A New Project Highlighting The Magic of India’s Diverse Musical Traditions
Visit A Kerala Farmstay Encouraging Slow Living Amidst A Rewilded Tropical Forest