Edinburgh hosts many cultural events every year. Dusherra, an event which has taken place for more than twenty years, returns again this year. Taking place on Sunday 21 October on top of Calton Hill, Dusherra aims to pass a universal message to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Dusherra or Duss-ehhh-ra as it is pronounced across India is one of India’s biggest festival and commemorates a 10-day war and victory of Lord Rama over the Demon king Ravana. It is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama and over time has become a symbol of triumph of good over evil.
Dusherra is organised by the Scottish India Arts Forum (SIAF), a Scottish registered charity. SIAF has been actively promoting Indian arts and culture since 1994 in Scotland and Dusherra is their flagship event.
Every year more than 3000 people attend this event in Calton Hill to enjoy the music, dance and food available and witnessing the grand burning of the effigies of the demon and electric fireworks on display. Dusherra helps further in bringing different communities within Edinburgh and wider Scotland together and plays a very key part in encouraging Indo-Scottish cultural amalgamation.
The event caters for everyone with different marquees for dance and music, separate area dedicated for kids’ activities and food stalls. It will showcase the performances of more than 100 artists ranging from amateurs to professionals in a 3.5 hours extravaganza including the dance drama of Ramlila.
One of the key highlights of Dusherra has been the construction of effigies of the demons. Since the past 11 years the effigies are built by in-mates from the Saughton Prison, Edinburgh. This partnership with the HM Prison forms a key initiative in enhancing the skills of the in-mates in carpentry, painting and decorating along with providing SIAF with the opportunity to support within the community. This provides a spectacular finale to the event in the form of effigies burning and fireworks.
Dusherra 2018 is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Big Lottery fund, One City Trust and BEMIS. This support has helped in keeping the event open and free for all.
Councillor Donald Wilson, the current Culture and Community Convener of CEC, is a long-time supporter of Dusherra and believes that Dusherra marks the celebration of Indian and Scottish culture and should be considered as a festival for all residents of Edinburgh.
Rajnish Singh, President of SIAF, said: “We at SIAF are extremely proud of Dusherra celebration over the years in a format where it is open to all with free entry despite all the challenges.
“We are very grateful for the continued support from our funders for this year as well. It is one of the most popular Indian events in the city and we highly appreciate the support of local Indian and Scottish community who participate in the celebration in big numbers. The event showcases our engagement with HM Prison’s for last 11 years in the form of effigies being built by the prisoners.
“The event is attended by many dignitaries and we are delighted that this year again we will have the presence of Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Culture & Community Convener of CEC, Member of Parliament, Consul General of India and more.
“We at SIAF are very excited with the line-up of artists and programs this year and would take this opportunity to invite all to come and enjoy the Sunday afternoon/evening with us at picturesque Calton Hill. We look forward to welcome you all.”
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