Merry-Go-Round

By Marcellus Baptista | Opening Doorz Editorial | November 01, 2019

It’s amazing how a predominantly western celebration has caught on in aamchi Mumbai. We’re talking about Halloween that has been here, there and everywhere. A couple of days ago I walked into a shop with the words ‘Happy Halloween’ loudly displayed.

“We have all sorts of tricks and treats for you,” said the salesman, ushering me inside. “Do you want a broom?”

“Sorry, my maid does the brooming at home and there is definitely a broom at home,” I said. “Why do I need a new one?”

“Actually, it is not a new one, we sell old brooms but these are for you to carry on Halloween Day, not to broom your house clean,” he said. “But maybe you don’t like carrying a broom to a party; you could carry one of these orange buckets, shaped like a pumpkin.”

“That reminds me, I am not particularly fond of pumpkins,” I said. “I prefer other vegetables.”

“Our pumpkins are not edible, they are more ornamental or rather scary,” he said. “Maybe I can show you our Dracula outfits.”

“No way am I going to dress up as Dracula,” I said. “I don’t know why I have come here in the first place—I don’t want clothing or accessories.”

“Ah, I see, you just want a painted face,” he said. “We have all sorts of shades in our portfolio, you want silvery grey to match your hair or would you like a deep red, just like blood?”

“No blood and gore for me, thank you very much,” I said.

“Our witches hats may be suitable for your partner that you decide to invite for the Halloween night,” he said. “With each hat we will give you a gory spear free or a forked weapon.”

“No forks and spoons and definitely no knives for me,” I said.

“But a costume is a must for any Halloween bash,” he said. “Heard, many places are giving attractive prizes for the best-dressed person.”

“All these attires and carry-on items don’t suit me at all,” I said.

“Okay, I get it, if you want something really scary I got just the thing for you,” he said. “Here, wear this mask of your newly-elected politician.”

Also Read: Diwali Under My Umbrella

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