Organisers of Edinburgh Diwali have announced the most culturally diverse programme of performers and events in its five-year history.
Lord Provost Frank Ross, patron of Edinburgh Diwali, said “Once again, Diwali will light up the city with a dazzling parade and festival of lights, dance and music.
“It’s one of the most spectacular events on Edinburgh’s calendar and is truly inclusive, providing free family fun and celebrating the city’s many multi-cultural communities. Don’t miss our most diverse programme yet!”
The South Asian festival of Diwali, which is celebrated by different cultures and religions all over the world, comes to Edinburgh with a multi-cultural feast of light, music, dance and food.
On Wednesday, a new Happy Diwali sign lit up the city from Castle Rock and a spectacular Lightopia Chinese lantern display and performances will animate Castle Street until Saturday, when the vibrant and colourful Diwali Parade, led by the Lord Provost, marches through the streets of the city ending with a celebration of theatre, music and dance in Princes Street Gardens.
All events are free and open to all.
The Edinburgh Diwali Parade, a lively and colourful procession of dancers, Hindu Gods, pipe bands and this year for the first time Chinese Dragons and Chinese Lions, will depart from City Chambers on the High Street on Saturday at 2.30pm led by the Lord Provost.
Dancers from the Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, Bhartiya Ashram and Edinburgh Dandiya will be joined by Cuban Salsa Dancers and pipe bands from The Scottish Regiment, Glencorse and Stockbridge as well as representatives from the Riding of the Marches.
Three floats of the Hindu Gods Ganesha, Hanuman and Shiva will be followed by the horse-drawn chariot of Lord Rama proceeding to his coronation. The Parade culminates with music and performances on Castle Street, before the celebrations move to the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens for more theatre, music and dance. The event culminates with a firework display at 7.30pm.
The Festival of Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists around the world. Each religion marks different historical events and legends, but all represent the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.
Edinburgh Diwali has been organised for the last five years by a dedicated team of volunteers, headed by Mohindra Dhall, MBE, who said, “Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness, good over evil, and so many cultures around the world mark this as we go into the dark nights of winter.
“With such a wide programme of performances and entertainment from many cultures, this year Edinburgh Diwali is making a huge effort to bring communities together. This is truly an event for everyone – so come and celebrate with us.”
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