"may they light the path to peace, prosperity"
Diwali arrived early at 10 Downing Street as diyas and floral decorations illuminated the British Prime Minister’s residence.
Although Prime Minister Keir Starmer was in Egypt for the Gaza peace summit, Communities Secretary Steve Reed led the event on October 14, which honoured Diwali and the strengthening of UK-India relations.
Organised as part of the build-up to Diwali on October 20, the event began with a rendition of the Hanuman Chalisa by Chinmaya Mission UK’s Swaranjali group.
Prayers followed from ISKCON’s Visakha Dasi and Kirit Wadia of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir.
Lighting the ceremonial lamp on Starmer’s behalf, Reed said this year’s observance carried “greater significance” as it coincided with the “historic” Gaza peace plan agreed in Egypt.
He said: “The message of Diwali, light overcoming darkness, hope and unity, resonates all the more deeply with so many of us at this moment in the planet’s history.”
From Egypt, Starmer shared a message praising the British Indian community:
“Just days ago, I lit a diya in Mumbai, and earlier this evening, a diya was lit in Downing Street as a symbol of hope, unity, and promise.
“Nowhere is that living bridge more visible than in the extraordinary contribution of the British Indian community.
“Through your hard work, values, and generosity, you have shaped our economy, enriched our culture, and strengthened our national life in countless ways.”
Reflecting on Diwali’s universal meaning, Starmer added: “The message of Diwali, that light triumphs over darkness and hope conquers fear, reminds us that, whatever the challenges ahead, our shared values of hard work, decency, and service will guide us forward.
“As the diyas shine tonight, may they light the path to peace, prosperity, and continued friendship at home and across our world.”
Equalities and Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra said the festival reflected shared values:
“The bonds between Britain and India are woven through families like ours, renewed and strengthened by the Prime Minister’s visit to India.
“Compassion and community were central to both societies.”
Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland, described India as a “superpower in the making”.
Reflecting on the Mumbai visit, he added:
“It felt generationally significant – pregnant with possibilities for the future.”
At a separate Westminster Diwali event co-hosted by the Indian High Commission, the India All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), and the India Global Forum, Starmer’s message was read aloud by Lord Krish Raval.
Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami said: “Our effort is to see how business, education, and technology partnerships can contribute to the world that is yet to come. In this, there is no partnership as momentous as that between India and the UK.”
Lord Karan Bilimoria, co-chair of the India APPG, and president Sandy Verma highlighted the strengthening bilateral ties following prime ministerial visits and progress on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement.
Kanishka Narayan, Minister for AI and Online Safety, said:
“We talk about the living bridge, but for many of us, it’s our lived experience that makes us particularly passionate about this bilateral relationship. Diwali allows us to celebrate that connection.”
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