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Scary Halloween Get-Ups Inspired by Indian Lore

Unique Ideas for Easy Homemade Costumes

Oct 7, 2009 Rukhsana Badar

Create an impact with these two exotic Halloween costumes. Each has a story woven around it to lend drama and excitement.

India is a land rich in history and folklore. Most characters are very graphic and can be easily brought to life for a Halloween party, with the help of a little make-up and the right costume.

Try these for a touch of the exotic this October 31st:

Who was Ravana, the Demon God?

One of the most popular villains of India is Ravana, the demon king of Sri Lanka. He is said to have usurped Sita, wife of Lord Rama leading to huge struggle between good and evil. Ravana was a great scholar and is depicted as having 10 heads. It is this detail that makes the costume unique.

How to Dress-Up as Ravana

The face will require a large moustache and a mark on the forehead made by powdery ash (tilak).
The attire consists of a silken orange dhoti (or sarong) below and a matching piece of cloth draped on the shoulders.
Lots of golden jewellery should be worn, large neck chains, ear rings and rings on the fingers.
The nine extra heads can be photographs of the wearer or drawings of faces pasted on a hard board and attached by a wire to the head piece. The crown has to be golden and bejeweled.
The costume must exude power, royalty and ego for the correct characterization of Ravana. Accessories may include a sword and shield ready for war.

What is a Churail?

Churail is a female vampire-ghost (banshee) found in Hindu folklore. She is the unhappy spirit of a woman who died in childbirth during the Diwali festival. She is seen as a hideous creature with unkempt hair and pointed teeth, but has the power to transform into a beautiful girl in order to seduce young men for their blood.

How to Make a Churail Costume

The attire will consist of a flowing white sari draped over the head to hide the face. The sari can be worn over white trouser and a halter top.
The feet should remain hidden because according to the myth one of the ways to recognize a churail is by her feet. They are turned backwards.
The face has to be pale white minus all make-up except a thick line of black mascara on the eyes. False fangs are a must.
One of the features of the churail is the black tongue. This can be achieved by using natural food color or by licking on a cola flavored ice cream.
The hair should be long and disheveled and the nails sharp and pointed.

The Orient and especially India is ripe with stories and characters that can be portrayed for an interesting trick or treat.

The copyright of the article Scary Halloween Get-Ups Inspired by Indian Lore in Entertaining is owned by Rukhsana Badar. Permission to republish Scary Halloween Get-Ups Inspired by Indian Lore in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

ravana costume