Tag: Scottish Indian Arts Forum

Scottish Indian Arts Forum celebrates 30th anniversary with Dusherra

On Saturday 19th October, the Scottish Indian Arts Forum (SIAF) is planning an unforgettable celebration for its 30th anniversary as it holds its flagship event on top of Calton Hill – Dusherra.

Founded by SIAF in 1994, Dusherra is a family-friendly event and is free to attend. This year’s celebration will take place from 3pm on Saturday 19th October.

One of India’s largest and most celebrated festivals, Dusherra commemorates the epic 10-day battle between gods and demons, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. This iconic festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, celebrated with electrifying music, dance and mouthwatering cuisine, and where ancient legends come alive with the dramatic burning of effigies symbolising the destruction of evil.

Twisted Tails perform at Dusherra 2019, photo by DB@Tasveeraen

This year, the family-friendly celebration reaches new heights as SIAF weaves together the best of Scottish and Indian music and dance, bringing two rich cultures together in a spectacular fusion of sights and sounds. Over 200 hundred performers will take to the stage for over three hours of non-stop entertainment as part of the celebrations. Highlights include performances from Edinburgh dance school Dance Beatz, tracks from Edinburgh Banghra Crew, and tribal belly dance from Twisted Tails. Plus even more entertainment from local group Unison Dollies, Glasgow’s Desi Bravehearts, Scotland’s premier Bollywood dance troupe BollyFeat.

Alongside the performance programme there will be a mouthwatering menu of Indian cuisine to enjoy; while children and adults alike will be able to try their own hand at Indian culture with a series of arts and craft activities and workshops.

The evening will culminate with the symbolic burning of effigies and a breathtaking fireworks display that will light up the Edinburgh skyline, creating an awe-inspiring finale.

The Scottish Indian Arts Forum, which celebrates 30 years of promoting Indian culture and heritage this year, invites everyone to join them in making 2024 the grandest Dusherra yet.

Mr. Nirav Mehta, Vice President of SIAF, said: “2024 marks the 30-year anniversary of Scottish Indian Arts Forum celebrating Indian culture in Edinburgh, of which Dusherra is our flagship event. It’s a massive milestone for us and the Indian diaspora in this beautiful city.

“Dusherra celebrates the universal message of victory of virtue over vice, and courage trumping oppression. For the Scottish Indian Arts Forum, which aims to provide a platform to celebrate the rich Indian Heritage via performing arts and music, Dusherra helps us to encourage community cohesion and active citizenship.

“We hope everyone will join us for our 30th anniversary celebration which will take place on 19th October from 3pm onwards, on the iconic Calton Hill in Edinburgh. The walk-in festival is free for all so that we can all witness the spectacle.”

Dusherra 2024 will take place from 3pm on Saturday 19th October on Calton Hill, Edinburgh. The fireworks display and symbolic burning of effigies will take place from 7.30pm.

The Scottish Indian Arts Forum hosts Dusherra with thanks to support from City of Edinburgh Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The festival receives further support from Baillie Gifford, Brighter Mortgages, and Towards AGI.

For further information about SIAF and Dusherra, visit siafscotland.co.uk or follow Scottish Indian Arts Forum on Facebook, facebook.com/ScottishIndianArtsForum.  

Dusherra goes digital for 2020

Dusherra is the flagship event of SIAF. It has been celebrated for the past 25 years and is one of the most sought-after events for the ethnic community during the calendar year. The burning of the effigies, the fireworks are synonym to Dusherra. It attracts a huge crowd – both BAME population and the local community.

Considering that large public gatherings are not permitted keeping in mind the current prevailing COVID19 situations, SIAF organised Digital Dusherra 2020 completely Digital/Online using various audio/visual modes using our social media platforms.

Schedule

  • A well-coordinated and sequenced program hosted online, on 24th and 25th October
  • Running sequence of around 1.5 hours, compered by at least couple of hosts
  • Pre-recorded performances broadcasted to live audience
  • Speeches and messages from dignitaries shown online (either pre-recorded or live) including Consul General of India, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Governor of Prisons, HMP Edinburgh, CEO of BEMIS and Member of Parliament.
  • Professional performances by artists from India/UK (options being finalised) 
  • School engagement via arts and crafts on the theme of Dusherra
    • e.g. making 10 headed Raavan in arts and craft sessions
  • Pre-recorded RamLeela as finale
  • Previous years videos played in between change of programs
  • Last Year’s Fireworks video will played to culminate the session
  • Simultaneous broadcast on other social media platforms like FB, YouTube and Instagram

Summary

SIAF – Dusherra, over 25 years has built a presence for itself in Edinburgh city and it is synonymous with celebration of the Indian heritage.

All efforts must be made to sustain its legacy and keep the flame glowing, even in such testing times. The SIAF board is committed to deliver a credible programme, with support from Edinburgh Council.

https://youtu.be/QvjRPlQU6dQ

Abhijit Chakraborty, President of SIAF said: “It has been a disappointing year for all of us around the world with this pandemic still prevailing. So many of our loved ones have lost their lives and situation is still very concerning.

“We are one of the well-established ethnic minority charity organisations in Scotland trying to upheld our culture and identity for the past 25 years. We are Pan India, ours is a multi-religious organisation covering the length and breadth of India.

“We have tried our best during these difficult times by organising and taking part in couple of charity events, organised few digital events and now Digital Dusherra.

“We are lucky to have the support of the community here in Edinburgh along with the support of Edinburgh Council and the local government. We are very grateful.

“I hope that things return to normal very quickly and I wish everyone good luck and best wishes during this festive period”

Link to the Programs:

24th: https://youtu.be/QvjRPlQU6dQ

25th: https://youtu.be/nhmd6Y6fNSM