ICYMI, the wildest Halloween party just got over

It’s 7pm on a Saturday and Mumbai’s Antisocial is a strange sight. Larger-than-life skulls are suspended from the ceiling, while Romanesque statues line a red carpet. Pop ditties blare over the speakers as drag queens, out of makeup and in pre-show loungewear, walk a dry run down the runway. Up on stage, a huge, House of Horrors-style monster looms over the room. Glorious Luna, performer, singer, drag artist, and host for the night, directs the rehearsal. It’s t-minus 3 hours to the Death Gala, a Halloween-themed take on the Met Gala, and the spirits are high.

Now in its second edition, the Death Gala is a collaboration between Glorious Luna’s House of Luna and It Events, helmed by drag queens Rayyan Monkey and DeeDeePls. You may know them as the forces behind the deliciously extra “It Ball”, first hosted in mid 2023. This time around, there’s only one category–Best Dressed–and you wouldn’t guess how competitive it gets.

Ballroom Culture has its roots in 19th century BIPOC queer subculture, and originated as a way for queer folx to express themselves through elaborate costumes and performances, in their own way, as a comment on society. Here, drag “houses”—communities of artists who perform together—ended up becoming chosen families in their own right. Eventually, Ballroom went mainstream, as seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Legendary, but by the time it came to India, it was accessible only to the elite.

With events like the Death Gala, which is open to all, Luna hopes to change that. “Here, people can dress the way they want, and they can speak their heart out,” she says about the ball, “Come as you are, and you will be respected and treated equally.”

By now it’s 9pm , and attendees have started to trickle in—some in Halloween costume, others in festive-wear, and most in a binary-defying combination of the two. As more contestants arrive, it’s time for the artists to put on their stage face. Watching them get ready, it’s clear that the competitiveness that goes so hand-in-hand with Ballroom culture is strong as ever here. “Yes, there’s pressure in terms of serving better and levelling up,” shares Sagar Kadam, a model, stylist, performer and Death Gala veteran, who created his own hand-beaded outfit with upcycled custom shoes, inspired by Beauty and the Beast. “I don’t think it’s about winning or losing, but honestly, I am a Virgo, I will and have to serve major, because how will fashion girls say they are fashion girls if they don’t serve major!” 

Just minutes before the night kicked in, The Nod got a behind-the-scene peek into the making of the funnest, wildest drag ball night.

Elton J Fernandez (he/him), makeup artist

At my age, I’ve got a well-oiled machinery at work and life to be able to take my time sewing flowers onto my dress and planning my hair and makeup. This time, I’ve leaned on stylists and designer friends for my look. I plan my performances. I practice my vocal cords, making sure I remember the lyrics and don’t freeze when the audio system comes off–like it did once! This year, I performed to Chapelle Roan, because I love how she takes something classic like vocal belting and mixes it up with something fucked up, edgy and modern.

Nin Kala (she/her), model and entrepreneur

My style is subtle. I’m exploring my art as an artist. I don’t call myself a drag queen–I don’t think I’ve reached that level yet. I do not use pads and breastplates and other things to elevate my body–I embrace my own. In terms of makeup, I don’t really block my eyebrows–I exaggerate my eyes and highlight my face a little.

Gentleman Gaga, (he/him/she/her), stylist and performer

Prepping for the Ball involves meticulous work. From sourcing the right fabrics to sewing, stitching, wig styling, makeup, and building a character—it’s all part of the process. Then there’s the choreography and choosing the perfect song. Every little detail matters when you’re trying to deliver a show-stopping performance. With the event timed to my birthday, October 26, this performance is extra special.

Sandeepta (she/her), multidisciplinary artist

I wanted to capture the essence of Maa Kali’s character. I began by sketching designs and incorporating traditional motifs into a high-fashion aesthetic. It’s about rich, bold textures that evoke her essence. As the founder of the House of ODD, Kolkata’s first voguing house, there is indeed a sense of responsibility to maintain a high standard of excellence, but it goes beyond performance. It’s about embodying leadership, grace, and poise while representing my house.

Dr Queer (he/him), neuropsychiatrist and artist

I always merge Punk and Goth. Escaping the binary of beauty to something shocking remains my aim. I dressed up as the Plague Doctor, the famous Punk figure who treated patients during the Great Plague. It’s a dark, goth look which makes it both horrid and terrifying. The fact that I am from the medical profession and deal with death and birth, makes this concept very significant for me. This is also my first time as a participant in a Ball. The participants in Mumbai have marvellous performances and looks. It is a challenge but I have competed in 11 fashion design competitions and won – so that gives me a boost of confidence that I can pull off a unique look and performance.