
Edinburgh Diwali will mark its tenth anniversary on Sunday 2nd November with a characteristically colourful parade, free music and dance performances in Princes Street Garden, and a climactic, fireworks finale.
The annual celebration, which was launched in 2015 by the Lord Provost and Indian diaspora of Edinburgh, marks the opening of Edinburgh’s winter festivities.
President Edinburgh Diwali, Rajnish Singh said: “This year marks a special milestone for Edinburgh Diwali as we proudly celebrate 10 years with the theme that embodies our journey of bringing communities together through light, culture, and joy - Uniting Communities, Celebrating Diversity.”
He added: “From a humble beginning in 2015, the Festival of Light (Diwali) has grown into one of Edinburgh’s most cherished community-led celebrations, thanks to the dedication of our committee members, the incredible talent of our performers, the unwavering support of our volunteers, and the enthusiasm of thousands of friends and audiences who have joined us over the years.”
The Event
Edinburgh Diwali starts at St Andrew Square, where Dishoom will be serving up a warming Chai. Then the Lord Provost and Scottish Regiment Band lead a colourful procession of over 150 performers and community representatives through Edinburgh’s New Town.
Displays of traditional Indian dance and culture will bookend the parade, with demonstrations from Yatra Tamil, Uttarakhand, Malayali, and Telugu dance groups, University of Edinburgh’s Junoon Dance, and Edinburgh Banghra Crew.
The Glencorse Pipe Band will be keeping the beat along the parade, while Edinburgh’s South American community join in with demonstrations from El Encanto and Mextli dance groups.
Following the parade, celebrations move to West Princes Street Gardens, with a performances planned at the Ross Bandstand, alongside a menu of Indian cultural activities and cuisine provided by Mr Basrai World Cuisine, Desh restaurant, treats and henna painting from Lidl.
Throughout the afternoon, Edinburgh’s leading classical Indian dance school, Nikkan Dance Academy will tell the story of Diwali through nine different forms of dance, while Alhalya demonstrate the intricate footwork and dynamic gestures and expressive gestures of Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance known for its dynamic rhythms. Celebrating more modern Indian culture, Edinburgh’s own Udaan and Bollyfeat perform some of the best contemporary Bollywood fusion.
Shoonya headliner
Closing the day’s performances, the UK’s premier Bollywood Rock Band, Shoonya will headline leading up to the fireworks which will light up Edinburgh’s skyline for the first time in 2025.
Based in London, Shoonya draws from the varied musical influences of its members, including traditional Bollywood songs, Indian and western classical, blues, alt-rock, and grunge for a high-octane show that’s not to be missed.
Remarking on the 10th anniversary of the event, Lord Provost and Chair of Edinburgh Diwali, Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “Diwali is observed by over 1.5 billion people worldwide and we’re proud to bring this exciting tradition to the heart of Scotland’s capital.”
Consul General of India, Edinburgh, Mr Siddharth Malik said: “Diwali is a festival that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. It reminds us of the enduring power of truth, compassion, and goodwill to illuminate our lives. The spirit of Diwali continues to inspire and bring together people across the world.”
Edinburgh Diwali takes place on Sunday 2nd November 2025, 1-7pm. The event is free to attend and open to all, encouraging people from across Edinburgh and the surrounding area to participate in this family-friendly festival of light.
Edinburgh Diwali History
- 2015: Started at short notice by Lord Provost of Edinburgh – cultural show at Ross Bandstand only
- 2016: Website, social media in place. Introduction of Diwali Parade
- 2017: Attained Charity status. Started the engagements with Primary schools and Scottish Regiment band
- 2018: Creative Scotland supported Exhibition on Story of Rama costing
- 2019: Winner of National Lottery People Fund- Installation of idols in City centre.
- 2020: Could only do online event - lighting the City Chambers Edinburgh with Happy Diwali messages leading up to the event. Listed as one of the Top Seven places for Diwali celebrations outside India by Telegraph online
- 2021: Restart of the Live event in line with pre-2020
- 2022 -2024: Consolidation of live format with more than 200 performers showcasing their craft each year