Edinburgh Diwali (SC047483), a registered Scottish charity, has been organising Edinburgh’s primary public Diwali celebration since 2015. This vibrant, multicultural event warmly welcomes people of all backgrounds and has become one of Edinburgh’s most popular community-led festivals, now a fixture in the city’s festive calendar.
The 2024 Diwali celebration, scheduled for Sunday, 3 November, marks Edinburgh Diwali’s 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, Edinburgh Diwali held a special reception in the Scottish Parliament’s Holyrood Room on 30 October, kindly sponsored by Foysol Choudhury MSP, who welcomed attendees.
Distinguished guests included First Minister of Scotland John Swinney, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Anas Sarwar MSP, Minister for Equality Kaukab Stewart MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Neil Bibby MSP, and the Indian Consul General in Edinburgh, Mr Siddharth Malik.
The event brought together over 100 guests, including representatives from community organisations, councillors, and long-time supporters of Edinburgh Diwali.
Dancers from Ahalya Dance Academy and Dance Ihayami showcased traditional and fusion performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Mr Rajnish Singh, President of Edinburgh Diwali, extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the sponsor, speakers, performers, attendees, photographers, decorators, and the Scottish Parliament events team on behalf of the Edinburgh Diwali Committee. Guests enjoyed an evening of light refreshments and celebration.
Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Hosting cultural events in the Scottish Parliament, at the heart of Scottish democracy, serves as a powerful reminder that:Culture Matters.”
“It matters to Our Communities—by celebrating religious freedoms and cultural expression, strengthening community bonds, and promoting cooperation and unity within our diverse society.”
“It matters for Cross-Cultural understanding—encouraging us to engage with each other’s faiths, cultural practices, and customs, helping combat prejudice and fostering a more tolerant society.”
As fireworks season approaches, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners and animal keepers to start preparing now to prevent possible injury and distress to their pets and livestock in the run up to Bonfire Night (5 November), Diwali (12 November) and New Year’s Eve (31 December).
Each year, vets across the UK treat animals with firework-related injuries. By far the most commonly reported cases were self injuries caused by fireworks-related anxiety, such as tooth injuries to dogs from chewing furniture or fractures in horses that had bolted from their fields. The debris and remnants of fireworks and paper lanterns in fields and surrounding countryside can also pose a serious risk of injury to livestock, wildlife and zoo animals.
Signs of fireworks-related distress can vary from animal to animal. While some pets show obvious signs of fireworks-related anxiety, such as panting, drooling and attempts to escape, there are also more subtle signs that owners should be aware of, including restlessness and toileting in the house.
Cats often hide, while rabbits may keep very still and thump the ground with their back feet. Poultry are especially at risk of ‘smother’, where in a fear response birds huddle together, which can result in death for some.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said:“The loud whizzes, bangs and whistles of rockets, Roman candles and sparklers can be fun for some of us, but fireworks displays can be extremely traumatic for animals. Each year, vets treat animals with injuries as a result of stress and fright, as well as burns.
“Contact your vet now to discuss noise desensitisation techniques, pheromone products and other treatments that may be appropriate for your pet. Make sure pets are microchipped with up-to-date details in case of escape. You can also take simple steps around the house now, such as creating a den for dogs and cats, to keep them safe and calm when fireworks start.
“If your pet gets significantly distressed by fireworks, ask your vet about longer-term treatment options, which can be successful with professional input and owner commitment and patience.”
BVA suggests ten top tips to help pet owners and livestock keepers prepare animals as fireworks season approaches.
Top tips to keep animals safe:
Talk to your vet to discuss treatment options for fireworks-induced stress. This may include drugs to help dogs with noise phobias or pheromone products to apply next to your pets’ den and around the house to keep them calm.
Create a well-padded den for your pet to access ahead of fireworks season so they have a safe place to hide when fireworks start.
Ensure your pet is microchipped and your details are up to date on the database, in case it runs away from home.
Move small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs to a quiet place indoors.
Close windows and curtains and provide background noise to help mask the fireworks.
If your pet is distressed, remain calm yourself. Restlessness or toileting in the house can be signs of stress, so don’t punish them.
Keep livestock housed at times when fireworks are likely to be set off locally and remove any firework debris from grazing pasture before letting them out.
Horses may be better turned out in a field than stabled, as in a stable they may feel enclosed and unable to move. Owners should consult a qualified equine behaviourist if they have significant concerns about their horse’s response to fireworks.
If you’re hosting a fireworks display, avoid setting them off near horses, livestock or companion animals. Dispose of any debris and remnants of fireworks responsibly.
Before lighting a bonfire, remember to check for any wild animals that may be hiding in it.
Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, returns to the Capital on Sunday November 6th and will feature a parade, music, dance and fireworks. Entry is free
Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is a five-day religious festival celebrated around the world. The festival is celebrated by many different faiths, bringing family and friends together.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy a healthy Diwali:
Celebrate with healthier food choices
Traditional sweet treats and flavoursome food is a key part of the Diwali festivities, and it is fine to allow yourself to enjoy some of your favourite dishes. Avoid over-indulging for a prolonged period and try to make some healthier food choices, such as fresh fruit and unsalted nuts, rather than fried foods and sweets.
Healthy Food Preparation
If you are responsible for preparing food for the festivities, look after the health of your loved ones by avoiding too much fat, salt or sugar in your cooking. Include plenty of heart-healthy ingredients such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal foods, for example wholemeal chapatis, brown rice and wholemeal pita bread.
Move more during Diwali
Take the opportunity to get more active during Diwali. Keep your normal routine going as well as finding opportunities to include more activities, such as walking and dancing.
If you know you will be consuming more calories during Diwali, why not build a workout in at the start of the day to compensate.
The 2nd Scottish Parliament Diwali was celebrated on Fri (13th Nov), virtually, on the auspicious day of Dhanteras (1st day of the 5 days of Diwali festival).
Puneet Dwivedi, Vice President Hindu Forum Britain (HFB) Scotland Chapter, took the lead in organising the Diwali event, which was co- chaired by multi party MSPs including Rachael Hamilton (Scottish Conservative), Sandra White(SNP) and Alex Cole-Hamilton (Scottish Lib Dem).
Last year Diwali was celebrated for the first time in Scottish Parliament – it was a first of its kind of celebration ever, in Scottish parliament, to bring the rich & diverse Hindu culture to the distinguished attendees.
The reception held in the Parliament last year brought the Scottish Hindu community members at the heart of the most important political establishment giving a platform for leaders to share their experiences and views on Scottish integration and cohesion.
A much bigger Diwali event was planned at Scottish parliament this year. However, due to the COVID crisis and Government restrictions The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) decided to cancel all events, including the Member Sponsored event.
Diwali is a festival of Light and Hope, and at this time of difficulty, the need for such festivals that brings light into our world has never been more important.
The Scottish team HFB led by Puneet with the help of volunteers from Edinburgh and Aberdeen including – Sumit Gupta, Mithun Sarkar, Madhu Vasumathy, Bably Sinoj worked really hard to collect videos, messages putting, editing and production. Dr Richa Singh, another volunteer from Glasgow helped in planning the event and running order.
Representatives from all the major temples (Edinburgh Hindu Mandir, Glasgow Hindu Mandir, ISKCON Scotland, Dundee Temple as well our newest member Aberdeen Hindu temple), Armed forces officers, along with other interfaith community members celebrated the lunar festival, Diwali, from home using Zoom, the event was also streamed on Hindu Forum Britain’s Facebook page.
The hour and half long programme combined the important religious elements of the festival with an exciting package of entertainment, featuring local artists and performers.
Puneet Dwivedi, in his opening remarks said that during these unprecedented times we are unable to meet in person or conduct the Diwali Event at Scottish Parliament. However, as someone once said “the show must go on, if we can’t visit the Parliament – Parliamentarians and ministers can visit us (virtually). Thanks to technology, this year Diwali will be from home.”
The event was kick started by Deep Prajwalan (lightning of the lamps) and Live Vedic chanting by Edinburgh Hindu temple’s Priest Pandit Harsharan ji.
The most beautiful part of the event was when everyone lit the diyas, lamps, candles, tea lights from their home and showed them in front of their zoom camera. In Hindu culture, lighting a lamp denotes dispelling away darkness. Light and brightness represent the positive, the good, and and the highest knowledge of the Divine.
There were Indian Cultural dance performances from Shaswati from Aberdeen and Kirsten Newell of COSMIC Dance Academy, Edinburgh. ISKCON Scotland recorded a divine Kirtan music which was enjoyed by everyone.
Devotional Music band from ISKCON Scotland, Leshmahagow (Lanarkshire )
Interfaith organisations including Shia Muslim Organisation – The Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (SABS) member Mr Asif Sheikh and Director of Interfaith Scotland Dr Maureen Sier were Live and shared whereas the pre-recorded Diwali messages from Humanist Society Chair – Maggie Kinloch and Scottish Jewish Council Chair Alan Kay were played during the live event.
Rachael Hamilton the 1st Co-chair in her speech highlighted the contribution of Indian and British community in the field of Art, culture, enterprise and sports.
She said: ‘Tonight celebrating Diwali would be a different experience, despite Pandemic, I thank Puneet for organising this fabulous virtual Diwali Celebration, for being so resourceful ensuring we can still celebrate virtually.’
She further added to celebrate the bond of the UK, the oldest democracy and India, the world’s largest democracy. She stated her admiration for the value of Hinduism and how Hindus celebrate the goals of life that we all aspire to, and this is so important that we instil these values to our next generation.
Rachael said that looking at the Holyrood election next election 2021, it’s important that Scotland is represented equally, for this reason we need a more diverse and inclusive parliament. She finished with Diwali wishes for everyone watching and mentioned now more than ever in these challenging time, we need the source of light more than ever and there is no doubt it, we are living through dark days
Mrs Trupti Patel, President of Hindu Forum Britain, did Namaste and welcomed Scottish parliamentarians, she mentioned that this Diwali would be different, no fireworks together, no colourful celebration in groups but thanks to technology of webinar and streaming the world is connected together.
She mentioned that Diwali is such a wonderful celebration of light and positivity, should be celebrated in all parliaments of the world So that the world knows we respect others, the Hindus are tolerant and respect and welcome everyone.
She encouraged more young Hindu people to participate in local council, at Scottish Government level and some MSPs from Hindu background, which could bring a whole system of Hindu values of co-existing and being together.
She also mentioned what can be a better way to celebrate Diwali on interfaith week, we all faith are one, we respect all faith and do Namaste – and bow down to the divine within you. She congratulated Puneet and the Scottish HFB team for putting together so much effort in organising the event.
Next Speaker to speak was Co-chair MSP Alex Cole Hamilton – who started with chanting “Jai Shri Ram” which made other participants thrilled to shout back Jai Shri Ram.
Alex mentioned that during this pandemic he attended many zoom meetings however this one was the most enjoyable zoom meeting with dance and song and other cultural elements into it.
He mentioned Diwali is a spiritual triumph of light over darkness. 2020 has darkness which many of us have never seen in our lifetime for all the reasons we know.
However, it feels like darkness is dispelled and the light of hope rising with change in America to hope for Scottish Football with Scotland first qualification in a major tournament that certainly brings light to many, also most importantly the vaccine is just around the corner we will be together again.
Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Ms Aileen Campbell started her speech by showing her colourful Indian dupatta (Wrap) presented to her last Diwali at Scottish Parliament.
In her speech she mentioned this is the perfect opportunity to recognise, celebrate and learn the contribution of faith communities in Scotland, including the Hindu community especially as this is interfaith week and also International Day of Kindness, Aileen mentioned how these dates aligned to amplify the celebration.
She mentioned 2020 is really a year where we need more light and lot of hope and that’s Diwali key message to have hope and light prevails over darkness. Diwali is also time for reflection and contemplation to think about people who are less fortunate and COVID 19 has bought these to limelight and she was thankful to Hindu community for their selfless Sewa (services) to mankind during this pandemic.
She mentioned that Hindu Forum Britain would continue to play a key role as a voice for the Hindu community is heard not only during a pandemic but in normal times, for Scottish Government would look forward to building this relationship.
She said that this was her last celebration of Diwali as Cabinet Secretary however it won’t be her last one beyond her life of politics. Although she is not standing for next year’s election, she wanted to encourage young people of multicultural diverse backgrounds to participate and add to the vibrancy of the parliament.
She also mentioned that Scottish Government has announced a £470k fund for a leadership development program for minority to ethnic young people. Although she had arguments with Alex, Rachael and other political opponents in parliament, all of them are united at this message to bring diversity and equality in parliament.
MSP Sandra White, who was the main sponsor of last year’s Diwali at parliament said she has experienced the colour and vibrancy of Diwali last year.
Sandra who is also stepping down for next Holyrood election, has been involved in frontline politics for the majority of her life and one of the longest serving MSP in Holyrood. She emphasised that everyone who lives in the community has rights to be represented and she is pleased that her Constituency (Glasgow Kelvin) put forward BAME female candidate Ms Kaukab Stewart.
In her closing remark she encouraged youngsters: “If I can do, you can do and it will stand true till date” and mentioned being happy to chat over phone or zoom to anyone from Hindu community if they want to be part of active politics.
Mrs Manjulika Singh, MBE said the Vote of Thanks and program ended with Live Aarti and peace prayer from Glasgow Hindu temple, where Acharya ji Mishra invited NHS Doctors to light the lamps as a way to show gratitude for their hard work during this crisis.
The preparations for this event started a few weeks ago and intensified in the few days with so many tasks being coordinated and completed. It was this tremendous team spirit that resulted in resounding success of Diwali celebrated in this unusual way for the first time. Diwali’s message is a timely reminder of the light at the end of the dark tunnel and the collective strength of unity.
HFB takes this opportunity to thank you for your participation and contribution to the event and look forward to welcoming you back to parliament next year.
The first ever Diwali, the Hindu festival of Lights, was hosted at the Scottish Parliament on auspicious day of Vijaya Dashmi. The Scotland Chapter of Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) took the lead in organising Diwali coinciding with 20th Anniversary of Scottish Parliament (writes RAMESH PATTNI (below)).Continue reading First Diwali at Scottish Parliament
Thousands of people are expected to take part in Edinburgh’s biggest ever celebration for Diwali this weekend (Sunday 29 October, 1.30-7pm). The colourful and vibrant Festival of Lights – which symbolises victory of light over darkness and good over evil – is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains all over the world.Continue reading Diwali set to light up Edinburgh
Over 300 children from primary schools across Edinburgh are taking part in lantern making workshops this October as part of the activities leading up to Diwali, the annual Festival of Light celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs throughout the world.Continue reading City pupils set to light up Diwali celebrations
