TOI correspondent from London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attempts to woo British Indians by hosting a Diwali party at No 10 has backfired after it emerged that alcohol and meat were served, offending many in the diaspora.
Community leaders, Labour MPs, Labour councillors and members of the armed forces attended the annual event which involved prayers, lighting diyas, a speech by the PM and traditional Indian dance.
However, some guests were shocked to see lamb kebabs, fish, beer and wine served. Some expressed their shock to catering staff but were told the items had been ordered.
Last year alcohol and meat were not served when Rishi Sunak, then PM, had hosted the event.
British Indians told TOI it was offensive, repulsive, and tainted the spiritual undertone of the festival.
“The religious dimension of Diwali is such that it is normally accompanied by sattvik food. These events are meant to be sacred. There is an element of worship involved. You can’t appeal to the deities for prosperity and wealth whilst at the same time being inebriated. Shri Rama, also known as Maryada Purushottama, is seen as possessing the highest set of ideals. You can’t celebrate his return to Ayodhya by eating slaughtered animals and alcohol,” British Hindu pandit Satish K Sharma told TOI.
A spokesman for Insight UK, a social movement of British Hindus and Indians, said: “The religious significance of Diwali should not be undermined…”
In a statement on Instagram, Insight UK said: “Diwali is not just a time for festivity, but also holds a deeply religious meaning. The sacred festival of Diwali emphasises purity and devotion and hence traditionally involves vegetarian meals and strict avoidance of alcohol. The choice of menu at the Diwali celebration hosted by the prime minister himself displays an appalling lack of understanding or respect for the religious traditions associated with the festival of Diwali. It also raises the pertinent question of whether Hindu community organisations and religious leaders were consulted for greater cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.”
Insight UK has written to No.10 asking them to issue a statement on it and offering to advise them on religious sentiments going forward.
Sunil Poshakwale, professor of international finance at Cranfield University, said, “It is better for 10 Downing Street to not host a Diwali reception if British Hindus are to be insulted like this.”
No 10. declined comment
