Zombies on Okhla Streets? Welcome to India’s First Halloween Parade!
Gather ’round, ghosties and ghouls, and lend an ear (or whatever appendage you bring with you), because this Halloween, Delhi is going to be haunted in style. In India for the first time, a Halloween parade is sweeping over the capital, threatening to blend chills, thrills, and more candy than your pillowcase can contain. Diwali lights, step aside, October is receiving a brand-new star. (Image courtesy: lifestyleasia)
The Venue: HorrorCon 2025: A Spook-Haunted Playground
Set your calendars: October 25–26, 2025, the NSIC Exhibition Ground, Gate 6, Okhla, Delhi. That’s where HorrorCon 2025 (India’s largest Halloween party + fest) will present this spooky spectacle. (Image courtesy: iloveimg)
This is not your typical costume party. Organizers assure a two-day plunge into a world of horror and cosplay, creepy storytelling, bizarre food challenges, and, roll the drum, India’s first-ever Halloween parade.
Pull back the velvet curtains and this is what lies ahead:
- A huge Halloween Parade, the first ever in India, where witches, zombies, steampunk specters, and pop-culture monsters will strut in ecstatic fright.
- A Cosplay Face-Off with cash awards for the participants who come with their A-game in makeup, props, and sheer fright factor.
- Paranormal narrative nooks, author/creator meet-and-greets, interactive “spook zones,” and spooky photo-op backdrops.
- A Kids’ Zone (HallowVille): trick-or-treating, magic performances, kiddie cosplay, so bring the little goblins along.
- Food stalls selling “blood-on-the-bones” dishes (chill out, metaphorically) and themed beverages for grown-up witches and warlocks.
- Entry begins at ₹499.
What to Expect: A Ghostly Walkthrough
Imagine this: the evening is falling on Okhla. A silence settles over the terrain. And then, out of the darkness, the initial strains of an eerie tune waft over the throng, perhaps a mournful violin, perhaps whispers, and out of the shadows strolls a procession. (Image courtesy: scroll)
Spectral dancers in diaphanous veils, giant puppet skeletons looming above, hissing fog machines mist, LED-lit witches on stilts, strobe lights cutting through dark silhouettes … all marching down a predetermined path, waving, howling, interacting with the audience. That’s your parade. That’s history.
In between floats, there may be staging vignettes: a vampire bride stretching out a bony hand to brush your cheek, skeletons in macabre dance, a wild scientist wheeling bubbling vials, or a pack of zombies shuffling through the audience.
Following the parade, the stage is lit. Cosplay winners become the center of attention. Creepy tellers of ghost stories weave tales of active spirits. There will be secret haunt houses or “fear rooms” in the corners for the fearless (or stupid). Children will walk around with candy buckets, parents will take selfies with their vampire children, and the atmosphere will vibrate with DJ beats hidden in creepy soundscapes.
How to Survive (and Thrive) the Ghoul Gala
If you’re going, here’s how to ensure that you don’t end up screaming in earnest: (Image courtesy: cloudinary)
- Costume & Makeup: Take risks. Skeleton face paint, prosthetics, LED props, fake blood, wings, do it. This is your time.
- Comfort is key: Wear shoes that can handle squelchy ground (mud/dampness is likely), clothes that layer (it might get chilly as night falls), and a small backpack for essentials.
- Flashlights & glow gear: Useful to see your way and also to add to your spooky aesthetic.
- Charge up: Cameras, phones, lights, make sure they’re full. You’ll want to capture everything.
- Organize meeting points: With such a massive crowd and dark areas, designate landmarks in case someone gets lost or cell reception weakens.
- Hydrate & snack-a-lot: The event lasts several hours. Bring water (or purchase inside), and perhaps a light snack so you don’t become an actual zombie.
- Child safety: If children are coming, apply wristbands with contact information, and have a “lost & found” plan in place.
- Respect boundaries: Certain performers or installations are interactive, but be sure to read or obey signs. Don’t surprise someone who doesn’t wish to be surprised.
Why This Matters (Beyond the Spooky Fun)
This is not merely a gimmick. It’s a statement of culture. Halloween is taking hold in India, particularly in metros. But a public procession on such a scale is a leap, taking the celebration out of clubs, cafes, and homes, and into public space to be seen by all. It means Indian audiences are hungry for rich, provocative, boundary-bending celebrations. (Image courtesy: peaklife)
And besides, it’s an opportunity for makers, make-up artists, prop masters, cosplayers, performers, to get their moment of glory on a big stage. It’s about people, art, laughter, and the excitement of having the courage to step into the shadows.
And for the rest of us? An opportunity to unleash the inner ghoul, have our laughs (and shrieks), and create memories that radiate.
So, are you ready to walk with the monsters? To have candlelight shadows play on your face? To scream in the night (or perhaps just cheer)?
Delhi, get ready: India’s first Halloween Parade is on its way. And it’s going to be spectacular, spooky, and completely unforgettable.
To bring such happening events to your stage, book through engage4more—India’s top platform for inspiring artists and talent. With over 2,500 artists, pacy bookings, and free event publicity, engage4more makes inspiration accessible, unforgettable, and meaningful. Also, enjoy our value adds like complimentary quizzing for your events along with free publicity by our post-event coverage via our social media handles!
