Various routes along Edinburgh’s New Town
This November, join Edinburgh Diwali in celebrating a decade of light, culture, and community.
Since 2015, Edinburgh Diwali has showcased the spirit of the Indian festival of lights and Scotland’s rich multicultural tapestry by bringing together communities to celebrate diversity. A glorious kaleidoscope of colour, music and dance, it is an event for everyone, regardless of religious and faith.
The day’s fun begins at St Andrew Square, where Dishoom will be serving up a warming Chai before the Lord Provost and Scottish Regiment Band lead a colourful procession of over 150 performers and community representatives through Edinburgh’s New Town. Displays of traditional Indian dance and culture will bookend the parade, with demonstrations from Yatra Tamil, Uttarakhand, Malayali, and Telugu dance groups, University of Edinburgh’s Junoon Dance, and Edinburgh Banghra Crew. The Glencorse Pipe Band will be keeping the beat along the parade, while Edinburgh’s South American community join in with demonstrations from El Encanto and Mextli dance groups.
Following the parade, celebrations move to West Princes Street Gardens, with an afternoon of performances at the Ross Bandstand, alongside a menu of Indian cultural activities and cuisine, treats and henna painting.
Throughout the afternoon, Edinburgh’s leading classical Indian dance school, Nikkan Dance Academy will tell the story of Diwali through nine different forms of dance, while Alhalya demonstrate the intricate footwork and dynamic gestures and expressive gestures of Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance known for its dynamic rhythms. Celebrating more modern Indian culture, Edinburgh’s own Udaan and Bollyfeat perform some of the best contemporary Bollywood fusion.
Closing the day’s performances, the UK’s premier Bollywood Rock Band, Shoonya will headline with an electrifying performance before a fireworks finale lights up Edinburgh’s city skyline.
The festival offers a fantastic day out for all the family. Free to attend and open to all – simply come along and join in the celebrations of this family-friendly festival of light.
For full details of this year’s festival see Edinburgh Diwali.
