No10 has been forced to apologise to British Hindus after offering meat and alcohol at its annual Diwali celebration.
Promising that the “mistake” would not reoccur, Downing Street has assured Hindu communities that the error “will not happen again”.
At the annual event, attendees were served lamb kebabs, fish, beer and wine, the Times of India reported.
Although Hinduism does not explicitly ban meat and alcohol consumption, many Hindus make the choice to go vegetarian and avoid alcoholic drinks – particularly during religious festivals, such as Diwali.
Several Hindu MPs highlighted the Government’s error in judgement, expressing their concerns on the matter
PA
Several Hindu MPs highlighted the Government’s error in judgement, expressing their concerns on the matter.
Conservative MP for Leicester East Shivani Raja wrote a letter to Keir Starmer, which explained that she was “greatly concerned” over No10’s “disappointing lack of knowledge of the customs and traditions that many British citizens hold dear”.
She subsequently offered to provide her own “assistance and guidance” to ensure that they are conducted in a “respectful” and “mindful” manner of the culture.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel said: “Diwali is an auspicious and religious occasion and Starmer’s apology fails to acknowledge and recognise the values of the Hindu community.
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“The way this event was organised was a slur on the Hindu community and shows Labour’s complete ignorance towards the British-Indian diaspora community, and the fact that they have not made any effort to understand our culture or values,” she told the Telegraph.
A No10 spokesman said: “A mistake was made in the organisation of the event.
“We understand the strength of feeling on this issue and so would apologise to the community and assure them it will not happen again.”
The spokesman said that the Labour leader spoke about the “huge contribution” brought to the nation by Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities during the Government’s annual Diwali celebration.
During Diwali celebrations last year, Sunak was seen lighting candles with his wife and daughters on the steps of Downing Street to mark the religious festival
PA
Gordon Brown was the first Prime Minister to bring the annual celebration to Downing Street in 2009.
It then later gained greater attention during Rishi Sunak’s administration – as he served as Britain’s first Hindu Prime Minister.
During his premiership, he was seen lighting candles with his wife and daughters on the steps of Downing Street to mark the religious festival.
While there are varying interpretations of the religious text, many choose to abstain from eating beef – as cows are considered sacred – and, on occasion, meat altogether, depending on the individual’s belief and preference.
Sikhs and Jains who practise the faith do not consume alcohol either, with many choosing to avoid certain meats as well.
