Diwali
There are lots of festivals celebrated every year by the South Asian communities of Scotland. Among all of them, Diwali seems to be the most colourful and vibrant festival.
Diwali, the festival of lights attracts me and makes me indulge my hobby of capturing beautiful moments. The celebration, excitement of people, grandeur, and the lively ambiance always piques my attention.
According to mythology, there are different stories associated with Diwali. Since early 2000's, Diwali has been observed in Scotland and undoubtedly, the light of Diwali illuminates the streets of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. The lighting diyas, the colourful Rangolis, the fireworks, and cultural performances make me find unlimited opportunities of clicking fun-filled moments.
It’s the festival which even attracts the Scottish! It is the celebration of the triumph of good over evil when people come together irrespective of caste, and religion. In Scotland, Diwali is also known for its colourful procession of numerous performers. Dancers, and pipe bands perform to make the festival more enjoyable. The grand procession starts from the Royal Mile and moves towards Princes Street.
The effigies of Lord Ganesha, Hanuman, and Shiva are built as it’s the festival representing the victory of good over evil.
Apart from the performances of both Scottish and South Asian performers, this festival comes with happiness and unlimited fun. Delicious festive food is served at the beginning of Diwali to make the festival more vibrant. Diwali is one of the most significant and auspicious festivals observed by the Indians all across the world. Leicester is known to have the biggest diwali celebrations outside India. To a photographer also, it has a great value as I can experience how immigrants come together, follow their rituals and celebrate the festival in Scotland.
Being a photographer obsessed about recording South Asian communities, diwali acts as a golden time to experience the amalgamation of people belonging to different cities, cultures, and states of India. Moreover, the festival of Diwali elevates the spirit of the people of Scotland irrespective of race, religion, and cultural diversity.