Following persistent demand, the British MPs will discuss in Parliament later this month on whether Hindu and Muslim religious occasions such as Deepavali and Eid should be declared public holidays. Over 45,000 people through e-petition called for making Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha public holidays, while over 11,000 have sought to make Deepavali and Dussehra public holidays.
The petitions noted that despite both Muslims and Hindus make up a sizable percentage of the total population (the 2011 census said there were 2.7 million Muslims, or 4.8% of the UK population, while there are 8,17,000 Hindus or 1.5%) there are no public holidays that recognised their religions.
The government earlier rejected their request citing “considerable” costs that would be involved. “The cost of the 2012 Diamond Jubilee holiday was around £1.2 billion,” said the government in statements. However, Parliament’s petitions committee, which scrutinises petitions from public, has chosen to hold a debate in Parliament, despite the signatories not reaching the 1,00,000 threshold, which would automatically require the holding of a debate on the issue.
Martyn Day, a Scottish National MP and member of the Petitions Committee who will open the debate, said he was in the process of gathering data, and evidence on the arguments to and against changes. He told The Hindu, “Even in this country, for example, England has eight public holidays, Scotland, nine and Northern Ireland 10 so there is no consistency.” In addition, the message that reflecting different communities occasions via public holidays could have bolstering a strong multicultural society also had to be considered, he said.
In 2014, Conservative MP Bob Blackman championing an e-petition that was signed by more than 120,000 people, demanded the change in Parliament to UK national holidays with these inclusions.
The petition said, “Muslims and Hindus should have the most important days in their faiths recognised in law.”
The government rejected the plea saying it would cost the country too much money, "We are very aware of the importance of these festivals which are widely celebrated in the UK.
"Whilst we appreciate a new national holiday may benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy remains considerable and any changes to the current arrangements would not take place without a full consultation."
But Bob Blackman had persuaded the ministers to reconsider during this debate in the House of Commons' secondary debating chamber of Westminster Hall.
According to BBC he said, the government's concern about cost was "valid". But, "According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, each public holiday costs £2.3bn per day due to a loss of retail, commercial services, and other industries.
"So we're looking at an overall economic cost of just under £5bn if the Muslim faith and the Hindu faith were to be given one specified public holiday each, if the estimate is correct."
He went on to say, the think tank had also estimated that annual output would be raised by £19bn "if all public holidays were scrapped".
"That's not likely to happen. I can't believe any government would every dare to decide to cancel Christmas.
"So we can't make a case for or against further public holidays just on the basis of money. If we did, we wouldn't have any public holidays at all."
Speaking at a Westminster debate, Blackman in 2014 spoke about the importance of 'cultural education' as a significance of this public holiday. He said, "...The argument has to be made that educating a wider section of the population in the traditions and holidays of different religions in such a widespread way would be valuable in helping to normalise the integration of those faiths into our cultural identity. It would be valuable in promoting cohesion and peace among the religions in our country, as it would not place preference for one over another."
Hearing about Day's initiative, Blackman told Asian Voice, "To have a public holiday for Diwali would send a simple, straightforward message that transcends any cultural or language barriers. It would be a mark of modernisation in this globalised world for Britain to recognise non-majority faith holidays so decisively. I strongly support this proposal."
CBC to host first ever Kali puja
Croydon Bengali Connection, a non-profit organisation operating out of Croydon in South London (UK), dedicated to the promotion of British Indian culture and heritage in the UK, is organising their first ever Kali Puja in London on 7 November at Bedford Hall. This will be in addition to its flagship eighth year Saraswati Puja & Basant Panchami event in February 2019.
Diwali has long been one of the most important events on the Hindu calendar and it coincides with the annual worship of Goddess Kali (Goddess of Power). CBC events have gained immense popularity over the last 7 years and been attended by local MPs, the Mayor, Councillors and other members of the local government.
They are expecting a footfall of over 200 in the Kalipuja and Diwali event on 7th November. The occasion will also be graced MP Sarah Jones (Croydon Central), Mayor of Croydon Council Bernadette Khan and award-winning British-Asian Author/Journalist Mihir Bose (former BBC Sports Editor).
The event promises to bring together people from all walks of the local community and end with an authentic and sumptuous Indian dinner.
