Celebrate South Asian arts, faith, and community at Rutherglen’s inaugural Mela! Presented by Rutherglen 900 in partnership with Glasgow Mela on the eve of Diwali, this free, family-friendly festival opens up the entire Town Hall for a vibrant afternoon of music, dance, food, and conversation.

Live Performances & Music (From 1:00 pm)

• • High-Energy Opening: Fusion welcome by Glasgow band Unison Anthems, blending Great Highland Bagpipes with Indian Dhol drums.

• • Classical & Devotional Music: South Indian Carnatic devotional music performed by the Hindu Temple of Scotland singing group.

• • Poetry & Art: Readings by Doune-based poet Nalini Paul, plus an interview with local designer Sahasra, winner of the Mela logo competition.

• • World Premiere Commission: A special 20-minute Bharatanatyam dance piece by Aishwarya Patil and Divya Karthikeyan, weaving classical South Indian dance with a story rooted in Rutherglen.

Drop-in Activities & Highlights (All Afternoon)

• • Living Rangoli: Help local artists from the Hindu Temple of Scotland build a massive, vibrant flower artwork throughout the day. Exhibition room from 11am. Flowers provided, or bring your own to contribute.

• • Stories of Faith (12:00 pm): A relaxed conversation featuring local faith community voices ahead of Scottish Interfaith Week.
  • Bharatanatyam Dance Workshop with Divya Karthikeyan Grand Hall 1:15pm–2pm (arrive for 1pm). No booking necessary. Age 5+Diwali Crafts with Aparna Ramesh Tower Room 4:00pm-5:00. Book via Eventbrite to guarantee place. Age 3+Creative Workshops: Join an open dance workshop, a youth-led design session, or share your hopes for the town with the Waste/Land/Futures research team.
  • Design Your Own Logo with Sahasra Ashwin Tower Room 3:10pm–4:00pm. Book via Eventbrite to guarantee place.
  • Young people aged 8-16, parents and carers welcome
  • Curated Market: Browse stalls from local ESOL classes, South Lanarkshire Council, Equal Clothing, and Rutherglen 900 on the Mezzanine.
  • Themed Café Menu: The Town Hall café will be open all day, serving a specially themed menu including warming cups of authentic chai.
  • While entry to the Mela is completely free and unticketed, spaces for specific workshops can be booked in advance to guarantee your spot. A limited number of walk-in spaces will be available on the door.