Edinburgh Diwali returned to Scotland’s capital city on Sunday with a colourful and vibrant parade full of marching bands, dancers and a heady mix of Scottish and Indian music and entertainment, helping locals forget the drab Scottish weather.
A spectacular fireworks finale closed the annual celebration in Edinburgh of the triumph of light over darkness, after a vibrant and colourful procession through the city centre featuring pipe bands, Bhangra dancers, folk dancers, and dance performances on Castle Street and The Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens.
Over 300 performers took part this year, with more than 5,000 people enjoying the parade, music, performances and delicious food on offer at the Diwali celebrations in Edinburgh this year.
9. Cultural explosion
Over 300 performers took part in this year's Edinburgh Diwali celebrations in the city centre on Sunday. Photo: Robin Mair
10. Dancing for joy
Rajnish Singh, President of Edinburgh Diwali, said “Edinburgh Diwali, the most popular Indian festival of light, has been celebrated here in Edinburgh in a truly multicultural way since 2015. Diwali 2023 celebrates Unity in Diversity, a theme that has worldwide resonance this year. While the celebration is key, we strongly believe that it should also emphasise the unity in celebration of underlying positive values across the world but at the same time highlight the differences and diversity in the ways we celebrate." Photo: Robin Mair
11. Thanks
Rajnish Singh added: “We are thankful to all our supporters for continuing in 2023, including City of Edinburgh Council Culture, National Lottery, Baillie Gifford, BEMIS Scotland, LIDL GB, and the volunteers without whom it would not be possible to organise this event.” Photo: Robin Mair
12. Pipe band
Edinburgh Diwali 2023 is supported by City of Edinburgh Council Diversity & Inclusion Fund, National Lottery Awards for All, Baillie Gifford, Lidl GB, Craigvrack Hotel, BEMIS Scotland with Garnethill Hebrew Congregation and three of Edinburgh’s leading Indian restaurants - Tantra, The Clay Oven and Dishoom. Photo: Robin Mair