British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Diwali programme.
London: There are allegations of meat and liquor being served at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Diwali party in Britain. Because of this the Hindu community has expressed deep objection. It is being told that Hindus have reportedly objected to the non-vegetarian dishes and liquor being served to the guests at the Diwali banquet organized by Prime Minister Stormer at 10 Downing Street (the office and official residence of the British Prime Minister), London.
Community organization Insight UK questioned the “appalling lack of understanding” of the spiritual aspect of the Hindu festival, while others said there needed to be wider dialogue ahead of such religious events. Insight UK, in a post on X, said, “Diwali is not just a festival, but also has deep religious meaning. The holy festival of Diwali emphasizes on purity and devotion. Therefore, traditionally vegetarian food is served on Diwali and there is strict abstinence from alcohol consumption.” The organization wrote, ”The dishes selected for the Diwali banquet organized by the Prime Minister are in themselves a symbol of Diwali. Shows an appalling lack of understanding or respect for the religious traditions associated with the festival.
Hindus raised questions on serving non-vegetarian food
Hindu organizations said it also raises relevant questions about whether Hindu community organizations and religious leaders were consulted for greater cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. Author and religious speaker Pandit Satish K Sharma said, “Any The complete lack of sensitivity and simple counseling at this level is a matter of great concern. Even if it was unintentional, it is disappointing.” Some British Hindu groups have complained about not receiving invitations to the event, which has been held at 10 Downing Street for years.
It was last organized by Britain’s first British-Hindu Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. However, 10 Downing Street has not commented on the controversy surrounding the banquet held on October 29. Government sources indicated that multiple communities were invited to the banquet and it also celebrated the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Diwas. (Language)
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