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
Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh
Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.
READ MORE
Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round
Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.
READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland celebrates Halloween by sharing rare images from Egyptian Book of the Dead
This Halloween National Galleries of Scotland is diving into the special books collection to share the rare work 'Le Livre des morts des Anciens Egyptiens' by Anton Prinner.
READ MORE
Santa Opens a Brand New North Pole HQ at Conifox
Edinburgh’s Ultimate Christmas Experience Arrives in a Spectacular New Purpose-Built Building at Conifox Adventure Park.
READ MORE
Final call for Edinburgh walkers to join autumn challenge
THE FINAL countdown to Walking Scotland’s Autumn Step Count Challenge has begun, with teams across the country being urged to register before the event starts on Monday, 3 November 2025.
READ MORE
Sail into the festive season with five star luxury floating hotel Fingal
Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, is adding some festive magic to its guest experiences this Christmas and Hogmanay.
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Palm Court at The Balmoral unveils new Elevenses menu
Palm Court at The Balmoral has launched a new ‘Elevenses’ menu, showcasing the pastry team’s viennoiserie skills.
READ MORE
Vault City launches blood red strawberry sour beer for Halloween season
A POPULAR Halloween treat is being reimagined for grown-ups this year, as Edinburgh’s wizards of sour beer unveil their latest spooky special.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline Ross Bandstand programme
With just under three weeks left until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme is unveiled today.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus
Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.
READ MORE
50 Scottish entrepreneurs gather in Edinburgh for National Mentoring Day
More than 50 entrepreneurs from across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this week for Edinburgh Mentor Match - a free business speed mentoring session run by Virgin StartUp.
READ MORE
OMNi teams up with local school and partners for Creative Milestone Initiative
Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre has teamed up with Scottish artist Helen Denerley and Edinburgh Zoo to deliver a primary school design project for the Dreaming Spires sculpture’s 20th anniversary.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Halloween Events Round Up for Edinburgh Restaurants
Take a look at some of the Halloween events taking place in Edinburgh Restaurants this week!
READ MORE
Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation
Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Simply Greek Opens Vibrant New Home Near the Playhouse
Simply Greek, the family-owned restaurant adored for its authentic Greek flavours, is proving a hit with diners in its stunning new home, right across from the iconic Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Five star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade
The One Spa, one of Scotland’s most luxurious spas, has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.
READ MORE
One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back
To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!
READ MORE
Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest
Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.
READ MORE
Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh
The draw and schedule for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh is out now and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast!
READ MORE
Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh
The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay announces music and comedy programme
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spanning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill.
READ MORE
Loganair marks four year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming
Loganair has marked the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) by naming one of its aircraft in honour of the charity.
READ MORE
Vittoria Group teams up with Hirundine Whisky for Edinburgh wide partnership
Edinburgh’s top restaurant group is raising a glass to a new partnership with Hirundine Whisky, the premium single malt created by Scottish rugby stars Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links