I read the article in the Asian Voice dated 27 Oct to 3 Nov 2018 – Vol 47 Issue 26 on British PMs to debate on making Deepavali a public holiday.
Me being a Hindu and living in the UK do not agree that Deepavali should take place as a public holiday or even Eid as stated in the article reason being that we as Hindus and Muslims and other minorities that are living in Britain should live by the British law and as living in the UK they have their festive days such as Christmas and Easter breaks which are considered as UK public holidays throughout the year.
We as Hindus, Muslims and other minorities living in the UK should be happy as individuals that the British government are allowing us to celebrate these festivities in the UK throughout the year such as Navratri (9 day festival) as well as celebrating Deepavali in Trafalgar Square every year like it took place on 18th October 2018.
I would suggest that if the individual is a working citizen and want days off for their Deepavali and Eid breaks then they should take it off their annual holidays, which is considered as a paid holiday.
Sejal Vibhakar
Finchley, London