Edinburgh Diwali, a registered Scottish charity, has been organising Edinburgh’s primary public Diwali celebration since 2015. 

This vibrant, multicultural event warmly welcomes people of all backgrounds and has become one of Edinburgh’s most popular community-led festivals, now a fixture in the city’s festive calendar.

The 2024 Diwali celebration, scheduled for Sunday, 3 November, marks Edinburgh Diwali’s 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, Edinburgh Diwali held a special reception in the Scottish Parliament’s Holyrood Room on 30th of October, kindly sponsored by Foysol Choudhury MSP, who welcomed attendees. 

Distinguished guests included First Minister of Scotland John Swinney, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Anas Sarwar MSP, Minister for Equality Kaukab Stewart MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Neil Bibby MSP, and the Indian Consul General in Edinburgh, Mr Siddharth Malik. 

The event brought together over 100 guests, including representatives from community organisations, councillors, and long-time supporters of Edinburgh Diwali.

Dancers from Ahalya Dance Academy and Dance Ihayami showcased traditional and fusion performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Mr Rajnish Singh, President of Edinburgh Diwali, extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the sponsor, speakers, performers, attendees, photographers, decorators, and the Scottish Parliament events team on behalf of the Edinburgh Diwali Committee. Guests enjoyed an evening of light refreshments and celebration.

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Hosting cultural events in the Scottish Parliament, at the heart of Scottish democracy, serves as a powerful reminder that: Culture Matters.

It matters to Our Communities, by celebrating religious freedoms and cultural expression, strengthening community bonds, and promoting cooperation and unity within our diverse society.

It matters for Cross-Cultural understanding—encouraging us to engage with each other’s faiths, cultural practices, and customs, helping combat prejudice and fostering a more tolerant society.”