STEEPED in tradition and ceremony, Burns Night is known internationally as a celebration of Scots culture and identity.

But in an increasingly multi-cultural nation, diverse communities are using the annual event as an opportunity to honour their roots and redefine what it means to be Scottish.

The date is also used to cross cultural barriers and strengthen ties with other countries.

READ MORE: First Minister wishes everyone a ‘fantastic’ Burns Night

Yesterday members of Scotland’s Afghan community celebrated the literary traditions of both nations with a Burns Supper that featured the ancient poems of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi.

Organised by Glasgow Afghan United, the event saw diners including Afghan ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad and Scottish Refugee Council head Sabir Zazai sit down to a menu that included both haggis and Afghan biryani.

Meanwhile, prominent Afghan singer Ustad Mangal Painda performed with the Maryhill Integration Network.

Abdul Bostani of Glasgow Afghan United described the supper as a way to cross cultural barriers for both communities.

He said: “The aim of the event is to celebrate Robert Burns night and Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, acknowledge the bonds between Scotland and Afghanistan, and bring people together to find out about our multicultural heritage in Scotland.”

Meanwhile, “Scotland’s only Asian Burns charity gala” will raise funds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) on February 10.

Now in its fifth year, the Glasgow date will be hosted by actor Atta Yaqub and incorporate both Highland and Indian dancing. The Bhangra Beetles have been booked to entertain, with a fashion show highlighting tartans from around the world set to take place.

Organisers say: “Burns would have approved.”

Also entering its fifth year, the Chinese Burns Supper hosted by the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) will mark both the Bard and the start of Chinese New Year on February 1.

The black tie event for the “business and educational community” is scheduled to fall in between the holidays, but next year is expected to be held on January 25 as the Chinese lunar calendar brings New Year festivities forward.

This year the haggis will be accompanied to the tables by costumed lion dancers, with Fife folk singer Andy Chung also amongst the performers. Translator Brian Holton, who has produced Scots versions of ancient Chinese verse, will also present his work.

James Brodie of the CBBC said effort has been taken to produce a programme that respects both traditions.

He said: “We’ve had to remove elements like the Toast to the Lassies and the Reply because of concerns around the humour, some of which can be lost on those who don’t necessarily speak a lot of Scots.

“But we have added elements too, and we do the Address to the Haggis in both Scots and Mandarin.

“While we serve things like cranachan, we’ll do it with lychees, and the haggis will have some sort of oriental twist, coming as dumplings with Chinese spices.

“We make sure we get a balance. That’s how we can ensure that it’s respectful to both cultures.”