This Week In Culture: India's Biggest Halloween Party, Péro’ x Hello Kitty, & More

Somehow, we’re more than halfway through October and, once again, I am scrambling to find a Halloween costume. This happens every year; I start getting excited at some point in the summer, make Pinterest boards and save concept photos, telling myself that, "Yes, this year I will finally do Halloween right." Then time slides through my fingers like a slippery eel and I’m back to square one, with no ideas and no time to handcraft the elaborate costume of my dreams. 

Despite my forgetfulness, Halloween is my favourite time of the year. I love the excitement of dressing up with drinks flowing and fake blood splattering across the dance floor. Everyone embraces eccentricity and unconventionality, putting creative effort into their looks for a purely social act. We can all abandon the stresses of our daily lives by delving into fantastical, horrifying, or hysterical worlds of our creation. There's no ulterior motives; no consideration of profits or losses: just pure, unrestricted fun!

Anyway, it’s time for me to head back to the drawing board, old sheets and scissors in hand, to try and craft something acceptable by the 31st. If you’re in the same boat, and time passed faster than you realised, our weekly culture bulletin will keep you in the loop. Here’s what we have for you this week:

Homegrown x Casa Bacardi Halloween

Earlier this week, we partnered with Casa Bacardi to bring you a Halloween pre-party in the iconic 77-year-old Liberty Cinema. Though it was undoubtedly a night to remember, our time at the movies was just a precursor for what’s to come. Join us at the Great Eastern Mills, Byculla, on October 25 for the most thrilling Halloween party of the year. This isn’t any old party– it’s an immersive experience bringing you two massive music stages, a crazy lineup of performers, and 6 hours of non-stop Halloween fun. 

Learn more and find out how to grab your tickets here. 

Kimthebeloved’s ‘Gass Dat’ 

‘Gass Dat’ is RnB Hip-Hop artist Kimthebeloved’s latest rap anthem about the pursuit of greatness and the superficial pressures of fame. Featuring Tienas and DHP, the song reminds us about the importance of resilience and humility, criticising the music industry’s elitism with its sharp, unfiltered lyricism. 

Read more about ‘Gass Dat’ here.

Péro x Hello Kitty’s New Collaborative Collection

Homegrown label, Péro, brought their maximalist flair to the Lakme fashion week stage with a collection celebrating the iconic Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. This collaboration channels pure nostalgic joy, finding the delicate balance between artistic innovation and celebration of the past. Though unexpected, the brands’ shared ethos’ and belief in the importance of unbridled joy made them a match made in heaven.

Read more about ‘Hello Péro’ here.

New Delhi’s Best Cocktails

Delhi stands apart as one of the world’s most historically rich yet cutting-edge cities in the world. It’s no surprise, then, that its cocktail bars channel the cities magnetic blend of past and present to create unique mixological experiences that will leave you wanted more. We collaborated with the director and founder of Pass Code Hospitality to bring you a guide to New Delhi’s Best Cocktails. 

Find our curation here. 

Kalari: India’s Best Kept Culinary Secret

When you think of Indian cheeses, paneer is likely the only thing that comes to mind. We’re here to expand your horizons by introducing you to ‘kalari’, one of India’s best kept culinary secrets. Made by the nomadic Gujjars, kalari is a relatively popular street food in the Himalayas, typically served pan-fried or used as a stuffing in kulchas, paav, or flatbreads. 

Read more about kalari here.  

The Artworks Experience

Art is a difficult word to define because it encompasses so many different things. Any creative practice, really, can fall and be celebrated under this umbrella term. Attend The Artworks Experience in Bandra on October 19 to collaborate with others and learn more about diverse art forms. From DJ sets to screen printing, we’re confident you’ll find your creative niche here.

Read more about The Artworks Experience 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

Two Odd's Latest Installation Tells A Story Of Resistance & Survival Through Food