New Delhi: From the eerie Shakchunni of Bengali folklore and the Nun to Harry Potter, Joker and Wednesday Addams, Halloween took on a distinctly desi-meets-pop-culture flavour as horror enthusiasts, children and families gathered at HorrorCon India 2026 in the capital Saturday.
Organised by TMV’s Khooni Monday, the third edition of HorrorCon India is being held on Oct 31 and Nov 1 at NSIC Grounds, Okhla.
It is lovely to see children getting an opportunity to dress up, participate and enjoy themselves,” said the child’s parent, Vashu. One participant, who dressed up as Maddy from Wednesday , said the character’s look and personality made it her favourite choice. It is not just about being scary; it is also about having fun,” Manvi Sharma said.
The two-day festival features a Halloween parade, a horror cosplay competition, live storytelling, musical performances, gaming zones and horror film screenings. For seven-year-olds, the festival was as much about dressing up as it was about experiencing Halloween. One family brought their seven-year-old son dressed as Harry Potter, complete with the wizard’s signature look. “We wanted him to experience something different and enjoy the celebration. He loves Harry Potter, so dressing him up as the character was an easy choice. The enthusiasm was not limited to children. Young adults also turned up in elaborate costumes inspired by their favourite characters. “I have always liked Maddy’s character and wanted to recreate the look. Halloween gives you the freedom to step into a character you admire and express yourself through costumes.
From horror storytelling and cosplay to family activities and food stalls, the festival offered visitors a chance to celebrate Halloween beyond the usual spooky costumes, turning NSIC Grounds into a gathering space for horror fans, fantasy enthusiasts and families alike.