British Indians celebrated Diwali all across the UK, with much pomp and gaiety. Irrespective of religious or ethnic differences, people came together to mark this festival, which has officially become the biggest festival in Britain after Christmas.
The formal celebrations started with the Mayor of London's special reception in London's Lalit Hotel where he addressed 300+ specially invited guests. The evening kicked off with a Ganesh puja, hosted first time and attended by Mayor Sadiq Khan. This act of devotion represented the real spirit of London which stood for 'unity in diversity'- having a Muslim Mayor going beyond his faith to engage with the Hindu, Sikh and Jain community, for their biggest festival.
This was followed by the Diwali in Trafalgar Square on 15th October, that was attended by thousands. Mayor Sadiq Khan and the High Commissioner of India to UK His Excellency Y K Sinha addressed the gathering, which concluded with a musical evening. Stone's throw away from Trafalgar Square, at the Tattershall Castle Ship, a reception was held that marked switching on of the diwali lights for the first time on London Eye, representing the Rangoli colours. The evening was dedicated to the victims and heroes of recent terror attacks and Grenfell tower fire.
On 16th October, Rt Hon Priti Patel, Secretary of State for International Development hosted a Diwali for 10 Downing Street on behalf of Prime Minister Theresa May, who was travelling. The evening was attended by almost all UK Hindu organisation representatives, members of the Armed Forces, children from faith schools, MPs and Peers. It was the first time, an Indian origin MP (the only in May's cabinet) hosted Diwali at the PM's residence and office- a moment of pride for Briti-Indians.
Mrs May in a statement said, “I want to send my very best wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali here in Britain and all around the world.
“The Festival of Lights is a special time for families and friends to come together, to share wonderful gifts and sweets, and to draw confidence from the knowledge that ultimately good will triumph over evil; hope over despair and light over darkness.
“While Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists will all celebrate in their own way this week, the underlying message of Diwali – and its timeless values of duty and service – will resonate with people of all faiths and none.
“As Prime Minister, I want to take this opportunity to say a special thank you - on behalf of the whole country - for the immense contributions you all make to every sphere of life in the United Kingdom.
“From the doctors and nurses serving in our NHS, to the soldiers, sailors and airmen serving in our armed forces, the entrepreneurs creating jobs across our communities, and the stars of arts and culture inspiring and entertaining us, Britain's Indian communities are a shining example of what makes our country great.
“As successful and integrated communities you maintain your unique traditions while contributing fully to our national life. And you help to show the world that our United Kingdom truly is a place where people from all backgrounds and beliefs can live their lives in freedom and achieve their full potential.
“So this Diwali let us celebrate the values and freedoms that we share – and let me wish you all a happy, peaceful and prosperous new year. Shubh Diwali.”
PwC Hindu Network hosted a Diwali at the Lalit Hotel on 17 October, followed by an event by Hindu Forum of Britain on Wednesday 18 October. The Diwali events conclude on 27 October with events by Metropolitan Police Hindu Association and a dinner by the City Hindus Network.
BAPS Swaminarayan Neasden temple organised their annual celebrations and Annakut on 19 and 20 October and Bhaktivedanta Manor hosted their celebration on Sunday 22 October.
In Leicester, the Diwali lights were switched on in early October. Leicester's Wheel of Light arrived at Belgrave Road and remained lit at night to provide a glittering centrepiece to the festivities. For the first time Birmingham Victoria Square saw Diwali celebration attended by HE Y K Sinha and Mayor Andy Street. Wales also saw festivities at Cardiff, attended by First Minister Carwyn Jones.
Lord Jitesh Gadhia in an article on Diwali and British Indians in the Evening Standard wrote about the apprehension among UK's 1.5mn Indians. He said, “This week London’s half a million Indians celebrate Diwali the Festival of Lights, in a pensive mood. For sure, there is a lot for them to be positive about. The data from the Government’s race disparity audit last week showed how British Indians, far from being a disadvantaged minority, rank top for earnings and educational attainment. Yet there is an air of anxiety hanging over the community too. British Indians are not immune from the existential angst pervading the country at large, as reflected in a recent Ipsos poll showing that 72 per cent of Britons feel the country is off on the wrong track.”
