Bansi Paul discusses the history and thinking behind the Mela celebrations in Edinburgh in an edition of Channel 6 Broadcasting’s TV show ‘Art in Scotland’.

Tracing the origins of Mela to ancient celebrations after hunting, Bansi Paul says it has become much more sophisticated over time: with the development of agriculture it became a celebration of the seasons, and often became an occasion for bartering of produce; with urbanisation it became a rare opportunity for people to come together.

The Mela in Edinburgh has been running for six years and he likens it to pulling together various threads, representing different Asian communities from different backgrounds, to form a single tartan cloth.

Bansi Paul is interviewed using two cameras in a workshop creating artwork to decorate the Mela. This video recording lasts 6 minutes and 1 second.