Marketing 101 – How not to promote your event?

Modernization has opened the door for fascinating western cultures to permeate into the lives of Nepalese. Especially when it comes to festivities, youths have transcended customary practices to celebrate the likes of Christmas and Halloween among others. Also prevailing is the culture of organized parties to celebrate such occasions. A recent event held at Trisara on the day of Halloween amassed cosplay fanatics showcasing them in over-the-top attires. However, the event titled ‘Grave of Fireflies’ has touched upon a delicate spot that is deeply appalling.

Grave of the Fireflies

Grave of the Fireflies is an internationally acclaimed semi-autobiographical book by a Japanese author named Akiyuki Nosaka. The book has also been adapted into an animated movie of the same title. As distressing as the title sounds, the movie depicts a depressing story revolving around the human cost of war. A teenager and his younger sister lose their mother to an air-bombing raid near the end of World War 2 in 1945. They struggle and persevere through hardships without proper shelter and food. The younger sister loses her life due to severe starvation and the elder brother later dies of the same. Very heartbreaking to the core, Grave of the Fireflies is based on a true story!

Here, the question is – How on earth did Arbitrary Events unabashedly promote their event using the name Grave of the Fireflies? Yes, there are elements of horror and shock that fervent party-goers aspire towards on Halloween. But, to promote an event by referencing a war that destroyed the lives of millions is a foul move. The event’s name was not a thoughtful one as it is a time that calls for a celebration. Something as harrowing as Grave of the Fireflies is certainly the least likable move for any event planner during Halloween celebration.

Let us, however, give the event organizers a benefit of the doubt and hope that this was completely accidental. On second thought though, Grave of the Fireflies would make a perfect name for an entomology event full of bug aficionados, wouldn’t it?