Your Guide to Edinburgh’s Diwali Celebration 2024

Get ready, Edinburgh—Diwali 2024 is just around the corner, and this year’s celebration is set to be a bright, colourful affair!

With thousands expected to take part, a parade full of giant Hindu gods, and a fireworks display lighting up the Scottish sky, this year’s event is not one to be missed.

Whether you’re a regular at the festival or just curious about what it’s all about, we’ve got the full lowdown on what’s happening this November.

What Is Diwali?

If you’re unfamiliar with Diwali, let’s start with the basics. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the most important celebrations in the Hindu calendar, symbolising the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

It’s a time of reflection, family, and, of course, dazzling light displays and fireworks. Think Christmas, but with more firecrackers.

Edinburgh’s Diwali Celebration: What You Need to Know

Edinburgh’s Diwali festivities have been growing year on year, and this November 3rd, the capital is gearing up for its tenth year hosting Scotland’s largest public Diwali event. Here’s what you can expect.

When and Where:

• Date: November 3, 2024
• Time: 1pm to 9pm
• Location: City Centre, with performances in Princes Street Gardens and a grand parade through the streets.

Best of all, it’s free and open to everyone—whether you're attending for the first time or it's an annual fixture on your calendar.

What’s On?

A Colourful Parade: The heart of Edinburgh’s Diwali celebrations is its vibrant parade. Expect to see stunning floats carrying giant figures of Hindu gods like Ganesha, the Elephant God; Hanuman, the Monkey God; and Shiva, the God of Destruction and Transformation. Rama’s horse-drawn chariot will also make an appearance, symbolising the triumphant return from exile.

Music and Dance Performances: If you’re into a good show, you won’t be disappointed. Last year, the line-up included performances from groups like Dance Ihayami, Bollyfeat, and the Stockbridge Pipe Band. This year’s programme is still under wraps, but it’s set to be just as spectacular, blending Indian, Scottish, and fusion styles of dance and music. Keep an ear out for pipe bands led by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland—talk about a cultural mash-up!

Fireworks Display: No Diwali celebration is complete without fireworks, and Edinburgh’s event will close with a dazzling display over Princes Street Gardens. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of light, colour, and music. If you're curious about why fireworks are such a big part of Diwali celebrations make sure you check out our article Why Fireworks a Significant Part of Diwali Celebrations.

Food, Glorious Food!

What’s a celebration without a proper feast? This year, you’ll be able to sample a selection of North and South Indian dishes from local vendors—perfect for refuelling after an afternoon of dancing and exploring. Expect curries, dosas, and street snacks to keep you going.

Why Edinburgh’s Diwali is a Must-See

In case you needed any more reasons to mark Diwali on your calendar, here’s a fun fact: back in 2020, Edinburgh’s Diwali celebrations were voted one of the seven best places in the world to celebrate the festival. That’s some serious bragging rights for the Scottish capital! Now in its tenth year, the event continues to draw crowds, with around 10,000 people expected to attend in 2024.

Diwali in Edinburgh stands out not just for its scale, but also for the way it brings together diverse communities. It’s one of several light-filled festivals in the city around this time of year, along with the Samhuinn Fire Festival and Bonfire Night. Whether you’re there for the spiritual significance or just to soak up the atmosphere, Diwali offers something for everyone.

Top Tips For The Day

If you’re thinking of heading down, here are a few tips to make the most of your Diwali experience:

• Arrive Early: The festivities kick off at 1pm and run through until 9pm, but with crowds expected, it’s worth arriving early to grab a good spot for the parade.

• Dress Comfortably: The weather in November can be brisk (to put it kindly), so make sure you’re wrapped up warm. You’ll also want comfortable shoes for wandering around the city centre and standing during performances.

• Bring the Family: Diwali is a family-friendly event with plenty to entertain everyone, from little ones to older generations. There’s no ticket required, so you can pop in and out as you please.

• Stay for the Fireworks: The fireworks display is the grand finale and worth sticking around for. If you’ve got a good viewing spot near Princes Street Gardens, you’ll be in for a treat.

A Spiritual Celebration for All

At its core, Diwali is a celebration of light triumphing over darkness and good over evil—a message that resonates with everyone, regardless of background. While its roots are in Hindu tradition, Edinburgh’s Diwali event is open to all, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about a rich and ancient culture while enjoying one of the city’s most colourful festivals.

Diwali, Samhuinn, and Bonfire Night: Edinburgh’s Trio of Light-Filled Festivities

Diwali isn’t the only reason Edinburgh’s skies will be lit up this season. The city is in the midst of its busiest time for festivals celebrating light. You’ve got the Samhuinn Fire Festival on 31st October, marking the Celtic New Year with fire-play and acrobatics, followed closely by Bonfire Night on 5th November, complete with fireworks and bonfires. Edinburgh truly knows how to put on a show, so if you’re a fan of things that sparkle, you’re in for a treat!

In Summary: Diwali 2024 in Edinburgh

If you’re looking for a lively way to celebrate Diwali, or you just fancy experiencing something new in the heart of Edinburgh, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. With its vibrant parade, cultural performances, delicious food, and breathtaking fireworks, it’s a day packed with energy, colour, and good vibes. And with free entry, what’s not to love?

Put On Your Own Epic Diwali Firework Display

With Epic Fireworks' range of high-quality fireworks, you can add an extra layer of magic to your Diwali celebrations. We have the most powerful fireworks you can buy in the UK and the largest range too! Plus, we have a wide range of Diwali themed firework packs, which all come with their own expertly designed firing order so you can create an impressive display with minimal fuss.

Explore our full range of fireworks and experience the magic of Diwali like never before.