2023 Edinburgh Diwali Celebrates Unity in Diversity
Edinburgh Diwali returns to Scotland’s capital city on Sunday 19th November 2023 with a colourful and vibrant parade!
Article Source: Edinburgh Diwali
Last Updated: 14 November 2023 12:22
Edinburgh Diwali returns to Scotland’s capital city on Sunday 19 November 2023 with a colourful and vibrant parade full of marching bands, dancers and a heady mix of Scottish and Indian music and entertainment with a spectacular Fireworks finale in the annual celebration of the triumph of light over darkness. A vibrant and colourful procession through the city centre featuring pipe bands, Bhangra dancers, folk dancers and drummers culminates in dance performances on Castle Street before the celebrations move to The Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens. Over 300 performers will take part this year and an audience of over 5,000 is expected to enjoy the parade, music, performances and delicious food. The event is open to all and free to attend.
Rajnish Singh, President of Edinburgh Diwali, said: “Edinburgh Diwali, the most popular Indian festival of light, has been celebrated here in Edinburgh in a truly multicultural way since 2015. Diwali 2023 celebrates Unity in Diversity, a theme that has worldwide resonance this year. While the celebration is key, we strongly believe that it should also emphasise the unity in celebration of underlying positive values across the world but at the same time highlight the differences & diversity in the ways we celebrate. This year Diwali will promote the role of Culture and Heritage in enhancing harmony and minimising hate within a multicultural society, like we have here in Edinburgh and Scotland.
“With a rich mix of South Asian and Scottish culture, music, and performances, it’s a wonderful opportunity for all of Edinburgh’s residents and visitors to immerse themselves in this colourful, inclusive, and interactive celebration with family and friends. We are thankful to all our supporters for continuing in 2023, including City of Edinburgh Council Culture, National Lottery, Baillie Gifford, BEMIS Scotland, LIDL GB, and the volunteers without whom it would not be possible to organise this event. The Edinburgh Diwali celebrations are free and open to all, and we encourage everyone to come and join us, both on the parade along George Street and at the festivities in West Princes Street Gardens.”
The Edinburgh Diwali Parade will start in from St Andrew Square at 12.30pm and move along George Street to Castle Street headed by the Scottish Regiment Band together with the Stockbridge Pipe Band, Glencorse Pipe Band and the Edinburgh Noise Society. The bands will be accompanied by six groups of dancers, representing dance forms from states of Bihar, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in India – all part of community groups, and students around Edinburgh including the Edinburgh Bhangra Crew and Edinburgh University’s Junoon and Colombian dance group El Encanto. The Parade will be led by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the Consul General of India Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Diwali Committee.
The Lord Provost and Chairperson of Edinburgh Diwali, Robert Aldridge said: “The Diwali celebrations in Edinburgh are always a much-anticipated highlight of the year and I am delighted to see them return for 2023. The Festival of Lights is marked by 1.5 billion people across the world and illuminates our city in a celebration of lights, dance and music. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community whilst enjoying a rich fusion of South Asian and Scottish culture and entertainment.
“Edinburgh Diwali promises to be a memorable event for everyone, regardless of their background. I am grateful to the President and the Committee for their ongoing work and dedication which makes the celebration such a success every year.”
Celebrations continue at the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens from 2.45pm with an eclectic mix of dance, drama, and music. Dance groups including Dance Ihayami, Bollyfeat, Classsical Confluence and Dance@Studio21 present Indian, Scottish, and fusion performances. A scene from the epic Ramayana, depicting the story behind Diwali, will be performed by students and actors from Bharatiya Ashram Dundee and the grand finale will be a live performance from Kaykay & Co, the British Asian fusion band from London led by Kaykay Chouhan. The evening will culminate in a spectacular firework display at 5.30pm.
Consul General of India Edinburgh, Mr Bijay Selvaraj, said: "Diwali, the festival of lights marks the triumphant return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Today it is celebrated around the world by people from all walks of life and is also referred to as the festival of lights. It’s a time of great celebration and food and more importantly renewing our hope that good will always triumph evil.
“Edinburgh Diwali is organising its annual Diwali celebration in the city centre on 19 November with colourful parades, dance & music and fireworks. I am pleased to extend my and Indian Consulate’s support to this excellent community led celebration and looking forward to it."
Edinburgh Diwali 2023 is supported by City of Edinburgh Council Diversity & Inclusion Fund, National Lottery Awards for All, Baillie Gifford, Lidl GB, Craigvrack Hotel, BEMIS Scotland with Garnethill Hebrew Congregation and three of Edinburgh’s leading Indian restaurants - Tantra, The Clay Oven and Dishoom. Edinburgh Diwali is working with Unique Assembly, provider of Edinburgh Christmas, who are supporting Diwali 2023 as one of the weekend community events at Ross Bandstand.
Full details of the Edinburgh Diwali celebrations can be found at https://www.edinburghdiwali.co.uk/
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Giant Lanterns are back with a splash at Edinburgh Zoo!
For the first time in six years, Edinburgh Zoo is bringing its Giant Lanterns event back with a splash this winter.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce 40th anniversary programming
One of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s most iconic venues, Gilded Balloon, has announced a huge roster of legendary names to celebrate its 40th anniversary this August.
READ MORE
Conifox Champions Allergy Inclusion for Families
Allergy Awareness in Action as Conifox Adventure Park sets a new standard for safe family days out.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Skerryvore castle concert capacity grows due to global demand
A special one-off event celebrating the 20th anniversary of beloved Scottish band Skerryvore is getting even bigger, organisers have announced.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival announces expanded The Front List series for 2025
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is delighted to announce the second year of The Front List, in partnership with Underbelly.
READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Edinburgh shopper scoops hundreds of pounds for CHAS in ALDI Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh, and one lucky local winner has raised £726.77 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for herself.
READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!
READ MORE
Top Scottish chefs take on ultimate kitchen cook off at food hall Bonnie & Wild
Some of Scotland’s best chefs are sharpening their knives for the ultimate kitchen cook-off at Scottish food hall Bonnie & Wild.
READ MORE
New spring season for a new look Capital Theatres
Capital Theatres’ spring season brings with it a new look, new shows and new extraordinary experiences.
READ MORE
Travel back in time to The World of King James VI and I
A special, one-off exhibition opens at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh this Saturday (26 April), charting the remarkable reign of King James VI and I.
READ MORE
Music Venue Trust launch Annual Report in Scottish Parliament
Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs) launched its 2024 Annual Report in Scottish Parliament with a special event last night.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
Appeal to Restore Scottish Veterans Memorial
Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) have launched a major public appeal to restore the charity’s century-old Memorial at Eastern Cemetery in Leith, Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Bluey brought to real life in Smash Hit Show
Following a hugely successful UK tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play and it's coming to Edinburgh Playhouse!
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Discover a Summer of Outdoor Adventure with Dynamic Earth
This summer, Dynamic Earth - Edinburgh’s only Science Centre and Planetarium - is welcoming back children to its ever-popular Summer Outdoor Club.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
Mussel and Steak Bar will revert back to 2005 menu pricing for week long birthday celebrations
To celebrate its 20th birthday, the world famous The Mussel & Steak Bar will be offering a 20% discount from Monday 5th May - Thursday 8th May.
READ MORE
Lost Victorian relic found in attic during Edinburgh renovation
During renovation work at CoDE The Court, a rare 19th-century Crossley ‘Otto Silent’ engine, one of only three in existence, was discovered tucked away in the attic.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links