Edinburgh Diwali 2026: Sunday 15 November 2026
Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals will erupt with a fusion of colour, light, music and dance when Edinburgh Diwali returns for its 11th annual celebration on Sunday 15 November.
Open to all and free to attend, over 200 performers and thousands of spectators are expected to take part in the vibrant celebration of Scottish and Indian culture when it comes to Edinburgh city centre.
Looking forward to this year’s celebrations, Edinburgh Diwali President, Rajnish Singh said: “On Sunday, a vibrant parade from St Andrew Square – led by the Scottish Regiment Band, pipe bands and colourful groups of dancers – will make its way to the Ross Bandstand for live music and dance, building to a spectacular fireworks finale.
“This year’s programme is a rich tapestry of the familiar and the new: long-standing groups bring their warmth and tradition, and for the very first time we welcome a performance drawing on the story of Diwali from South India, a beautiful addition that speaks to the breadth and depth of this festival across cultures.
“More than 200 performers and over 30 volunteers will give their very best on the day. On behalf of every member of our committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to our performers, our long-standing supporters, and all who have stood by Edinburgh Diwali across the years.
“Come and join us. Bring your family, your friends, your neighbours. Edinburgh Diwali belongs to all of us.”
Further highlights of the programme include the return of the Edinburgh Noise Committee, who will provide party percussion for the parade alongside the Glencorse Pipe Band for the procession from St Andrew Square to Castle Street. Other parade participants include Bihari Ladies Group, Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, University of Edinburgh’s Junoon, and the Edinburgh-Colombian dance group El Encanto. Plus a celebration of South Indian languages with dance displays of traditional Yatra and Malayali, and an Edinburgh Diwali debut for the Lasya Dance Crew, a collective of artists from across Scotland, united by their passion for Indian performing arts and a shared vision of celebrating cultural heritage through performance.
Celebrations continue into the early evening at the Ross Bandstand where Edinburgh-based Ahalya Dance Academy will present Narakasuravadham, a captivating dance drama that brings the mythological story behind Diwali and the triumph of good over evil to life. BollyFeat, Dance Ihayami, and Dance@Studio21 will celebrate the rich multicultural diversity of Scotland’s capital. And back by popular demand, the UK’s premier Bollywood rock band Shoonya will provide an electrifying headline set alongside Edinburgh Diwali’s fireworks finale.
Commenting ahead of this year’s event, Lord Provost and Chair of Edinburgh Diwali, Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “We are delighted to welcome the return of Edinburgh’s Diwali. A fantastic celebration of culture, music and community.
“Free and open to all, this year’s Diwali celebrations promise to be extra special with a fantastic parade, performances at the Ross Bandstand and fireworks.
“Diwali is a celebration of light, hope, unity and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated by over 1.5 billion people worldwide, we are proud to bring this exciting tradition to the heart of Edinburgh.”
Consul General of India, Edinburgh, Siddharth Malik added: “I extend my warm greetings to everyone on Edinburgh Diwali’s 11th anniversary celebrations on Sunday, 15 November 2026.
“Diwali’s message of light overcoming darkness, knowledge dispelling ignorance and hope triumphing over despair resonates across cultures. It is an occasion to celebrate togetherness and share the joy of India’s cultural traditions.
“For more than a decade, Edinburgh Diwali has brought Indian culture into the heart of Scotland’s capital, welcoming Scottish audiences to experience Indian music, dance and festive traditions. Through this shared celebration, it has encouraged understanding and strengthened the bonds between our communities.
“The blending of Scottish bands and ceilidh performances with Indian music and dance gives Edinburgh Diwali a distinctive character. It reflects the friendship between India and Scotland, showing how our traditions can enrich one another and create new experiences that everyone can enjoy.
“From the colourful city-centre parade to the performances and fireworks at Ross Bandstand, this year’s programme promises a joyful celebration for everyone.
“I congratulate the Edinburgh Diwali Committee, performers and volunteers for their dedication toward the event. I warmly encourage everyone to join the festivities and celebrate the light, friendship and community spirit that Diwali represents.
“Shubh Deepavali!”
Edinburgh Diwali President, Rajnish Singh concluded: “Eleven years ago, Edinburgh Diwali began as a small, determined idea — that Scotland’s capital deserved a free, open, public celebration of Diwali that belonged to everyone.
“This Sunday 15 November, we mark our 11th anniversary, and I could not be more proud of how far we have come. Through some of the most challenging years any community organisation could face, not least the funding pressures that followed Covid — our team of volunteers has built Edinburgh Diwali into one of the most popular and beloved community-led events in the city. That is a testament to their dedication, their belief, and their refusal to give up on something truly worth doing.
“Our ethos, Uniting Communities, Celebrating Diversity, has guided every step of that journey, and it is at the heart of everything you will see and feel this Sunday. As part of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival, we are proud to bring this free celebration to the heart of our city and open it to all.
“The festive spirit is already building. From 6 November, two magnificent idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi stand next to the Ross Bandstand, bringing an authentic Diwali atmosphere to West Princes Street Gardens. Our sincere thanks go to Unique Assembly, a key partner who has made this possible.”
Edinburgh Diwali’s 2026 celebrations will take place on Sunday 15 November across Edinburgh’s New Town. Assembly for the parade will begin at St Andrew Square at 12:30, with live music and performance at the Ross Bandstand from 15:00, finished with a colourful fireworks display around 18:30.
For further information about Edinburgh Diwali, visit edinburghdiwali.co.uk or facebook.com/edinburgh.diwali.