Diwali 2022: Scotland is ready to party

By Marie Flügge

Diwali Parade Edinburgh 2021. Source: The Edinburgh Reporter

 Diwali, or the ‘Festival of Light’, begins now. During the next five days, more than a billion Hindus around the world will celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This includes Scotland, where the event has become one of the most anticipated festivals.  

This year again, the bright and colorful festival will reunite Hindus, but also the Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities to pay tribute to the Goddess Lakshmi and invoke wealth, prosperity and luck. Diwali, which comes from the Sanskrit term Deepavali – meaning “rows of lighted lamps” – is one of the most important festivals in Indian culture.  

Diwali Parade Edinburgh 2021. Source: Edinburgh Live

It traditionally sees families and friends gather to take part in a range of activities, such as lighting clay lamps and decorating streets and temples, holding fireworks displays, and exchanging gifts. This festive period is an occasion for everyone – regardless of their age, social background, and faith – to build stronger bonds and promote unity and tolerance. 

Since 2015 in Scotland, the festival has been organized by the Edinburgh Diwali charity. This came after an initiative by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh to bring access to the festivities to the bigger communities around the country.  

“Edinburgh has had several Diwali events over the years by different Indian groups but was lacking a truly public Diwali, which is free and open to all,” says Rajnish Singh, the organization’s secretary.  

Mahindra Dhal, the President of Edinburgh Diwali, adds: “Our festival exemplifies the spirit of hope through unity, with a multicultural parade featuring a diverse range of participants. We want to welcome all of Scotland to come and share in the fun and excitement at Edinburgh Diwali.”  

Source: Facebook.

For its sixth consecutive year, Edinburgh Diwali Festival will officially start on November 6th. The celebrations will kickstart at 13:30 with a procession of pipers, dancers and lanterns from St Andrew Square. The parade will then continue from Ross Bandstand from 15:30 onwards, and end with a fireworks finale at 18:15. A selection of North and South Indian food will also be available on location. 

The Edinburgh Diwali festival is supported by a range of local actors, including The City of Edinburgh Council Local Festival & Event Fund, The University of Edinburgh, and Virgin Money.