by Soniya Basu | Apr 12, 2025 | Culture & Community, Festival & Events
(Because some traditions just feel like home — even 5,000 miles away)
Edinburgh Tamil Sangam is excited to invite everyone to a vibrant Tamil New Year celebration on Saturday, 12th April 2025! If you’ve been missing the colors, flavors, and sounds of home, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re Tamil, Indian, a culture enthusiast, or simply love good food, this event will bring the spirit of Tamil Nadu alive in the heart of Scotland.
📍 Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Saturday, 12th April 2025
🕛 Time: 12 PM onwards
📌 Location: 2 Cousland Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 2PS
🔗 Registration: Scan the QR code on the poster or email [email protected]
🌟 What’s Happening?
Edinburgh Tamil Sangam is rolling out the red carpet for a full-on cultural celebration that blends tradition with fun. Expect a beautiful mix of:
- Cultural performances: From Bharatanatyam to folk dance and musical talents that’ll give you all the nostalgic feels
- Authentic Tamil food: Because no celebration is complete without regional food, sweets and filter coffee. Delicious South Indian veg meal from Navarasa Indian restaurant.
- Community vibes: A chance to meet other Tamil families, students, professionals, and new friends
- Fun activities: Perfect for families and kids — it’s not just a show, it’s a festival!
This is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of identity, unity, and everything that makes Tamil culture so rich and beautiful.
🤝 Powered by Community and Amazing Sponsors
This celebration wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of community sponsors, including:
These businesses don’t just support the event — they represent the strength of the Tamil and Indian diaspora in the UK.
🙌 Why You Should Be There
- You get to celebrate Tamil New Year just like home, but right here in Scotland
- It’s the perfect chance to connect with people who speak your language (literally and culturally)
- You’ll support local Indian/Tamil-owned businesses
- You’ll be part of a growing, welcoming community that celebrates diversity and tradition
- Plus, the food is going to be 🔥
Edinburgh Tamil Sangam’s Tamil New Year 2025 celebration is where tradition meets good vibes. Whether you’re new to the UK or have been here for years, come through for the music, the food, the people, and the pure joy of celebrating something meaningful.
Let’s celebrate, connect, and make memories — together! 🪔💃
by Soniya Basu | Apr 10, 2025 | Culture & Community, Festival & Events
(Because Diwali vibes hit different when you’re far from home — but still together)
Let’s face it — being away from India during festival season can feel a little weird. No loud crackers, no aunty dropping off sweets, no full-blown family drama in the living room. BUT here’s the good news: the UK has a thriving desi community that goes all out to bring that festive spirit to life — even in the middle of foggy October nights or rainy Holi mornings.
Whether you’re a student, young professional, or just here for the vibes, here’s how you can still celebrate Indian festivals in the UK — with music, food, lights, color, and lots of new friends.
🪔 Diwali – Festival of Lights (and food, let’s be honest)
When: October–November
Where to celebrate:
- Trafalgar Square, London: Huge open-air event with stage shows, food stalls, and DIY rangoli workshops
- Leicester Diwali Lights Switch-On: One of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India!
- University Indian Societies: Most unis host Diwali nights with traditional outfits, dance, dinner, and DJ
💡 Pro Tip: Bring your own battery candles or diya — because live Fire is a hazard here and needs cautionary measures .
🌈 Holi – The Festivals of Colours (and chaotic energy)
When: March
Where to celebrate:
- Desi community groups in Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow often host Holi festivals in parks
- Bollywood Holi parties in clubs — yes, this is a thing (and it’s wild)
- Uni events: Expect events, Bollywood playlists, and snacks
💡 Pro Tip: Wear old clothes, bring baby wipes.
🎊 Navratri & Garba Nights – Dandiya Mode: Activated
When: September–October
Where to go:
- Temples in London, Leicester, and Edinburgh host traditional garba nights. Dashami Sindoor-Khela is a must experience at the Durga Puja held by the Bengali Community.
- Community halls & Indian student orgs organize full-on dandiya nights (complete with dress codes and snacks!)
💃 Don’t worry if you don’t know the steps — most people are learning too. Just follow the rhythm and enjoy the vibe.
🎉 Onam, Eid, Pongal, Vaisakhi & More
Whatever your region, you’ll find a group celebrating it:
- Malayali associations host traditional Onam sadyas (banana leaf feasts 🍛)
- Eid dinners & open mosque days happen across major cities
- Punjabi societies celebrate Vaisakhi with dance, langar, and bhangra beats
- Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada communities bring the South Indian flavour with pongal & puthandu festivals, movie nights, and food fests.
💡 Pro Tip: Follow local cultural associations on Facebook or Instagram — they post event invites regularly.
✨ Why Celebrate Festivals in the UK?
- Connect with your roots ❤️
- Meet people from your region or state
- Enjoy authentic food (or at least a solid attempt)
- Beat homesickness in the best way possible
Just because you’re in the UK doesn’t mean you have to skip the celebrations. From Diwali to Eid, Holi to Onam, there’s always something happening — and chances are, your new desi fam is just a bus ride away.
Check out the scottishindian’s events calendar for upcoming festival celebrations near you. From garba nights to massive country-wide Diwali parties — we’ve got you covered. 🌟
