With Navratri and Dussehra just gone, the festive fervour is in full swing! Indians the world over is gearing up for events, celebrations and festivities as we head towards Diwali, one of the most prominent festivals in the Hindu calendar, which falls on October 31 to November 1 this year.
It is believed that after Dussehra – which marks the end of the epic battle between Lord Ram and the demon king Ravan, the latter’s defeat symbolising the victory of good over evil – Diwali marks Lord Ram’s arrival to his hometown Ayodhya. The story goes that the people of Ayodhya lit rows of hundreds of diyas (lamps) to help guide Lord Ram, his brother Lakshman and Goddess Sita back to the city.
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Leading up to the festival of lights, diaspora organisations have put up events across the country. One such event is the Edinburgh Diwali which is all set to return to the city for the 10th time since its launch in 2015.
A registered charity, Edinburgh Diwali is an initiative by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh to bring the Festival of Lights to Edinburgh so that the mainstream community can share, participate and celebrate the victory of good over evil. The charity is now hoping to enhance its visibility across UK by making it the second most popular festival after Christmas in Scotland as the first winter festival of Edinburgh.
The charity hopes for the event to be an occasion for all to enjoy – the young and old, families and students and people from all ethnic and faith backgrounds.
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The free event is open to all and will take place over the weekend, on November 3, and will feature a parade as well as live dance and music. Starting at St. Andrew Square, the parade will make way for the cultural event at Ross Bandstand, West Gardens Cottage. The finale will boast a spectacular fireworks display.
*Info: Edinburgh Diwali