AROUND 3000 people are expected to join a colourful procession through Glasgow today in a show of unity and harmony.
Organised by the Glasgow Indians Association, the largest association for Asian people in Scotland, it will involve drummers, dancers and the distribution of free food in George Square at the end of the march.
Called the Shobha Yatra, the event unites people regardless of caste, colour or creed and showcases the richness of Indian culture.
“There is too much hate crime going on in the world and this is all about fostering harmony and bringing people together,” said a spokesperson.
Bollywood star Riteish Deshmukh and Indian cricketer and former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane are among those who have given their support to the event. along with chief minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde.
While the Glasgow Indians Association, a charity, organises events throughout the year, the Shobha Yatra is the biggest by far. Around 2500 people joined the procession last year and the number is expected to rise to around 3000 today.
Volunteers have spent the weekend at the Hindu temple in the West End preparing the food that will be distributed in George Square and around 100 drummers will lead the procession.
“The vibrations are going to be on a different level – last year we had people coming out of pubs to see what was going on and people danced alongside,” said the spokesperson.
The procession is part of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival which was begun by social reformer Lokmanya Tilak in the Indian state of Maharashtra in 1893.
In his message to the Glasgow Indians Association, the chief minister of Maharashtra said: “The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special place in the heart of Maharashtra, symbolising the spirit of unity, devotion and cultural pride.
“I am pleased to see that the Glasgow Indians Association is bringing the Indian community in Scotland together through such events and continuing to uphold these traditions, promoting cultural harmony and strengthening ties with the Scottish community.”
The Glasgow event has taken around nine months to organise.
“We do it in Glasgow to spread equality, diversity and inclusiveness,” said the spokesperson.
The procession will begin at the Hindu Temple in the West End at 11am and is expected to take around two and a half hours to reach George Square.
