Largest Dusherra Festival outside India returns to Calton Hill Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Dusherra Festival returns to Calton Hill on Sunday 29 October, with a packed programme of events.

Article Source: Dusherra
Last Updated: 19 October 2023 13:04

Edinburgh’s Dusherra Festival returns to Calton Hill on Sunday 29 October, with a packed programme of traditional and contemporary musical and dance performances, fireworks and the triumphant burning of three huge effigies. The impressive effigies, which this year are being crafted and created by offenders in HMP Edinburgh, represent the triumph of Lord Rama over the 10-headed demon King Ravana. Edinburgh’s Dusherra (or Duss-ehhh-ra as it is pronounced across India), is the flagship event of the Scottish Indian Arts Forum (SIAF) and is free to access and open to all.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “Dusherra is a colourful, celebratory, and fun staple of Edinburgh’s civic calendar and I’m delighted that it’s returning for 2023. This ancient Indian festival celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana and gives the Hindu community and other faith groups the chance to gather and give thanks. Last year’s programme featured a programme of Scottish and Indian music and dance. I’m very much looking forward to this year’s edition and I’m sure it’ll be a great success.”

Consul General of India, Mr. Bijay Selvaraj said: “Dusherra is a festival which brings the community together and I am delighted that communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians come to celebrate this together making it a rich history as part of the Edinburgh cultural map. I congratulate SIAF."

Fiona Cruickshanks, Governor of HMP Edinburgh, said: “We were delighted to be able to support Edinburgh’s Indian community by building these effigies for the upcoming Dusherra Festival organised by Scottish Indian Arts Forum. This has not only given those in our care an opportunity to enhance their skills and create something so spectacular, but also enhance our relationship with an important community within the city.”

Nirav Mehta, Vice President of SIAF, said: “Edinburgh Dusherra is the largest and only celebration of its kind outside India. We look forward to welcoming people from across Scotland for Dusherra celebrations. Join us on this auspicious occasion and help us spread awareness of Indian heritage and reiterate the universal message of victory of virtue over vice. This year we will showcase performances from over 125 artists ranging from amateurs to professionals, across all age groups, in a 5-hour extravaganza. This includes the dance drama storytelling of Ramlila and a spectacular fireworks finale. Audiences can experience a wide choice of Indian food from local vendors stalls.
“To make the audience experience more comfortable, shuttle services are provided to everyone from the bottom of Calton Hill, up to the main marquee.”

This year’s free cultural programme, which features a mix of Scottish and Indian music and dance including performances from Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, Junoon, Bharti Ashram, Cosmic Dance, Theiya Arts Bollyfeat and the Bengali group Ram Lila, starts at 2.30 pm on Sunday 29 October on Calton Hill. The even culminates at 8.00pm with a firework display and the symbolic setting ablaze of three effigies of Ravana, Meghnada (Ravana’s son) and Kumbhkarana (Ravana’s brother) to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The event anticipates an audience of over 3000.

Entry to Calton Hill is free of charge and the event is open to everybody.

Image: Effigies created and crafted by offenders in HMP Edinburgh are ready and waiting to be installed on Calton Hill for Edinburgh’s Dusherra celebrations next weekend.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Casting for WAITRESS in Edinburgh!

Multi award-winning West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher will lead the cast as Jenna for a limited run and appearing in Edinburgh for her only Scottish dates.

Peppa Pig Casting Announced

Fierylight, in collaboration with Hasbro, are thrilled to announce the cast for the upcoming ‘oinktastic’ UK tour of Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in March.

Edinburgh Christmas Parties & Activities 2025

With Christmas just around the corner, there's never been a better time to start thinking about your Edinburgh festive celebrations.

Bongos Bingo Christmas Cracker and Big Fat Bingo of the Year

This festive season at The O2 Academy, Bongo’s Bingo is transporting everyone back to the time when coloured tree lights and flammable tinsel ruled supreme.

Casting for MAMMA MIA! Announced

Full casting is announced for the sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! which comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse for the festive season playing from Tue 9 Dec 2025 - Sun 4 Jan 2026.

Women lead the way in the National Galleries of Scotland 2026 programme

National Galleries of Scotland announces an unmissable programme of free and ticketed exhibitions set to take over the National, Portrait and Modern galleries in Edinburgh throughout 2026.

Flight Club is giving out hundreds of prizes on the streets of Edinburgh in October

The team behind the home of Social Darts is embarking on a nationwide charity tour in celebration of its 10th birthday and dishing out treats to its fans along the way!

Scottish Building Society brings communities together for largest walking rugby event in Scotland

Scottish Building Society hosted Scotland’s largest walking rugby festival last month, bringing together players of all abilities for a celebration of sport, community, and accessible active living.

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined Sir Tom Hunter to lead out Edinburgh Kiltwalk

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter to lead out 8,500 Kiltwalkers at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk (Sunday September 14) raising £1.5 million for 800 charities.

Edinburgh school kids team up with Kabin Crew to create a new rap song in Irish and Scottish Gaelic

Young musicians from Edinburgh and Cork are breaking new grounds with a unique hybrid international hip-hop collaboration led by Cork’s Kabin Crew.

Capitals Bartenders Cast Their Vote As Edinburgh Bar Awards Reveal Finalists

Edinburgh’s top bartenders have had their say, as the Edinburgh Bar Awards today (Thursday, 11th September) reveal the 2025 finalists across 11 categories.

Take to the skies with Daredevil Photographer Alfred Buckham at the National Galleries of Scotland

This autumn at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer.

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival Programme Announced

With support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival launched its 36th festival programme.

Mindroom Fundraising Heroes Drive Charity Support Forward

Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by charity co-founder 81-year-old Robin Dow, living with stage 4 cancer, as his 25-mile walk raised a huge £70,000.

Fresh deals for freshers

Calling all students in Edinburgh! Britain’s biggest craft brewer, BrewDog, has announced some fresh new deals for freshers and returning students to toast the new academic year.

Carol Main MBE FRC appointed Chair of National Centre for Music

The development of a new National Centre for Music has reached another key milestone, with the appointment of Carol Main MBE FRC as Chair.

Eat Spain Drink Spain returns for a Culinary Fiesta across Edinburgh

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as the "Eat Spain Drink Spain" campaign makes its much-anticipated return to Edinburgh.

Haggis the pygmy hippo to say goodbye to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo has announced that Haggis the pygmy hippo will be moving to another zoo as part of the breeding programme for the Endangered species.

Spooky Season Arrives at Dynamic Earth this October

This October, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, Dynamic Earth invites visitors of all ages to step into the shadows and uncover the science behind the spookiest stories ever told.

Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025

Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!

Edinburgh bridal expert shares her top trend prediction for Taylor Swift wedding

Now is the time to shop for that perfect dress, as Rachel Scott Couture has announced it will be hosting a one-off, three-week long sample sale at its Queensferry Street boutique.

Marcos unveils first of its kind interactive karaoke room

Whatever kind of music you’re into, the brand-new interactive karaoke room at Marco's is the place for uninhibited singing, selfies and self-expression.

Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.

Divino Enoteca launches September tasting menu and free wine tastings

This September, Edinburgh’s Italian wine bar Divino Enoteca, is offering plenty for food and wine lovers to explore.

September offers for Freshers Week at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is giving students an extra reason to head out this semester with 20% off food, non-alcoholic drinks and merchandise when they show a valid student ID.

Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie

Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.

Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour

Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.

Dynamic Earth partners with Scottish Water to deliver Water Cycle Workshops

Dynamic Earth is to join Science Centres across Scotland to deliver Water Cycle Workshops as part of Scottish Water's Generation H2O education programme.

Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 programme announced

The Edinburgh Cocktail Week programme for 2025 has been announced, reaffirming its status as the UK’s leading cocktail festival.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Largest Dusherra Festival outside India returns to Calton Hill Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Dusherra Festival returns to Calton Hill on Sunday 29 October, with a packed programme of events.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings