An Indian American Halloween: Vignettes of Desis Having a ‘Spooktacular’ Time
From the White House to schools and neighborhoods across America, the Indian American community got into the Halloween spirit this year as well, as kids and adults donned creative costumes to celebrate. Trick-and-treaters went from home to home to collect their candy haul, accompanied by parents. There were the ghosts, ghouls, goblins, and Barbie and Ken — this year’s most popular costume — as well as the ever-popular Spiderman, Batman, fairies, princesses, and witches. Some adults were dressed up too: be it in a simple hat, wig, face mask, or a complicated costume.
In the nation’s capital, the White House got into the spooky spirit as well, as President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greeted kids with books and candy. Krishanti O’Mara Vignarajah was at the celebration with her kids who were dressed as Wonder Woman and Snow White. “Had a spooktacular time with our little Wonder Woman and Snow White at the White House Halloween parade,” she posted on X. The Sri Lankan American immigration advocate is currently president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Previously, she served as policy director to former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Garima Raheja, a Ph.D. candidate at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, also attended the White House Halloween. “Halloween at the White House featuring interactive @NYTGames costumes,” she wrote in a post on X.
