The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) hosted its 24th annual Diwali celebration at the House of Commons on Thursday, 16 October 2025. The event welcomed the divine presence of Prabhu Shree Ram, Mata Sita, Shree Lakshman, Shree Hanuman, Shree Ganesha, and Shree Jalaram Bapa, alongside an esteemed gathering of Parliamentarians, community leaders, interfaith representatives, and business leaders from across the UK.
A Festival of Light and Unity
Diwali, the festival celebrated for millennia as the festival of light and commemorates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. This year’s celebration, held at the Terrace Pavilion, House of Commons, was jointly hosted by Bob Blackman CBE MP, Navendu Mishra MP, and Lord Navnit Dholakia OBE, and organised by the Hindu Forum of Britain, the umbrella body representing more than 320 Hindu organisations across the United Kingdom.
The afternoon began with soulful prayers and chanting of “Om,” led by Vishakha Devi Dasi, Swami Surya Prabha Didi, Sister Jaymini Patel, Sadhavi Bhakti Priya Didi and Shree Nishith Bhai Pandya. To mark the Hindu New Year and Govardhan Puja, Jalaram Mandir Greenford presented a stunning Annakut display, featuring 56 varieties of traditional vegetarian offerings (prasadam) to Prabhu Shree Ram, Mata Sita, Shree Lakshman and Shree Jalaram Bapa.
Message of peace, hope and shared humanity
In her welcome address, Er. Trupti Patel, President of the HFB and Trustee of the HFB Charity, reflected on Diwali’s universal message of unity, saying:
“Diwali gives us the rituals, the stories, and the energy to practice Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam , the belief that the world is one family.” She offered prayers for peace, remembering those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, plane crashes, and ongoing conflicts worldwide. Attendees joined her in a moving pledge:
“I light the lamp for myself, my family, my community, my enemies, the animals, the trees, and the entire world. May this light remind us that we are one.”
Distinguished Guests and Remarks
His Excellency Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He extended warm Deepawali greetings and thanked everyone involved in making this annual HFB celebration at the Palace of Westminster possible. In his address, he highlighted Diwali’s deep symbolism:
“Light represents truth, knowledge, hope, happiness, and progress. Diwali celebrates the goodness that connects us all and the enduring cultural bridge between India and the United Kingdom.”
Bob Blackman CBE MP, long-time host of Diwali in Parliament, described the celebration as a “living bridge” between India and the UK, reminding everyone that goodness ultimately triumphs even amid global challenges.
Lord Navnit Dholakia OBE, Patron of HFB, extended greetings of peace and harmony, while Navendu Mishra MP offered heartfelt wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity. He also shared Diwali greetings from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, acknowledging the British Hindu community’s outstanding contributions to the nation.
CB Patel, patron of HFB, also extended greetings on the occasion.
The dignitaries also launched the HFB Diwali Magazine 2025 during the event.
Celebrating service and contribution
Diwali greetings and reflections were also shared by Lord Popat of Harrow, Lord Rami Ranger, Gurinder Singh MP, Dawn Butler MP, Theresa Villiers, and Virendra Sharma, all of whom praised the enduring cultural and social impact of Britain’s Hindu community.
The programme was gracefully compered by Vishal Shah, who invited Gold Sponsor Vatsal Thakkar, CEO of Al Casa Real Estate (ACRE), to convey his festive wishes, followed by Rajnibhai C. Khiroya, President of Shree Jalaram Mandir Greenford.
Hanuman Das of Go Dharmic urged guests to uphold dharma by caring for the planet and all living beings, drawing upon teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and highlighting the need to end hunger and suffering.
Honouring contributors
HFB expressed appreciation to all sponsors and partners as listed below, specially 2025 Diwali Gold sponsor ACRE and continuous support of Ricky Sehgal of Transputec Ltd and Shashibhai Vekaria and Mitesh Vekaria of Vascroft Foundation. Mayors and Deputy Mayors from across the UK including Cllr. Ajana Patel (Harrow), Cllr. Ryan Hack (Brent), Cllr. Nidhi Mehta (Aylesbury), Cllr. Aarien Areti (Kensington & Chelsea), and Cllr. Tushar Kumar (Elstree & Borehamwood) along with many Councillors were also felicitated during the celebration.
Cultural performances and closing ceremony
Guests enjoyed devotional bhajans by Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Chair of the Hindu Group at the Department for Education and his ensemble Bhartiya Vrund Gaan, along with an enchanting Kirtanam performance by Chinu Kishore, showcasing classical dance from Assam.
Behind the scenes, the event was seamlessly supported by Harshaben Shukl MBE, Taraben Patel, Mayuriben Patel and Panna Vekaria ensuring smooth coordination throughout the afternoon and Bimal Patel, for capturing the proceedings of the afternoon and for the design and production of the Diwali magazine.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Veljibhai Vekaria, Chair of the HFB Diwali Committee followed by a serene closing prayer from Radha Mohan Das and Acharya Abhi Yogi culminating in a group photograph of the HFB Committee, sponsors and dignitaries.
