Inaugural celebration of Diwali at No 10 Downing Street
16 October 2009

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown lit a candle to mark Diwali at a No 10 Downing Street reception today (Friday 16 October 2009). Members of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities were invited to Number 10 to celebrate the occasion, known as the 'Festival of Lights', which promotes messages of hope and togetherness. This is the first time that Diwali has been celebrated at the Prime Minister's official residence. Gordon Brown said he looked forward to holding a Diwali reception every year and thanked the guests for their huge cultural and economic contribution to British life.

After his speech, the PM was presented with a garland and a model of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, popularly known as the Neasden Temple, in north London. The PM also wrote a message to mark Diwali: “As people come together for the beginning of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, we all have the opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed, and to face the future with renewed hope - as the story of Rama and Sita and how good betters evil is brought alive once again.

“From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, over the coming five days your homes will be filled with light and celebrations - and our thoughts will be with you all. Diwali’s messages of hope and togetherness bind Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities here and around the world, and should be a source of inspiration and reflection for us all.

“I send my warmest good wishes to you all for a peaceful and joyous Diwali.”

Guests at the Downing Street reception included The Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, Barry Gardiner MP, Dawn Butler MP, Lord & Lady Paul, Sir G K Noon, acclaimed artist M F Husain, members of Asian media, community associations and faith organisations.

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