Hindu Celebrations a Flaming Good Night Out

October 15, 2007

Author: GARETH EDWARDS

Source: Scotsman.com

http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=1646732007

A SPECTACULAR display of fireworks and giant flaming effigies brought thousands of people onto Calton Hill last night.

Organisers estimated that more than 2500 revellers attended the show, held to mark the Hindu festival of Dusshera.

Three giant effigies - representing the evil king Ravana and his two henchmen - were set ablaze, sparking calls to the fire brigade from worried residents.

The models, which were up to 40 ft high, were built by inmates at Saughton Prison for the second year running.

The size of the effigies had organisers at one point considering calling the Territorial Army for help. In the end that did not prove necessary, although it took more than four hours to transport the gigantic figures up the hill.

Dan Gunn, governor of HM Prison Edinburgh, said: "It has been great for the prisoners to be involved again this year and while there were a few problems getting the effigies up here it has been well worth it.

"It is very pleasing to be part of the community. This is a festival about the triumph of good over evil, and hopefully some of my prisoners will realise that by helping out, they are also atoning for what they have done and helping to make a better society."