British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Diwali programme.
London: There are allegations that meat and liquor were served at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Diwali party in Britain. Due to this, the Hindu community has expressed deep objections. Hindus are said to have allegedly objected to non-vegetarian dishes and liquor being served to guests at the Diwali banquet hosted by Prime Minister Stormer at 10 Downing Street (the official office and 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 wider dialogue was needed ahead of such religious events. Insight UK, in a post on X, said: “Diwali is not just a festival but also has deep religious significance. The holy festival of Diwali emphasizes purity and devotion. Therefore, traditionally vegetarian food is served on Diwali and there is strict abstinence from alcohol consumption.” The organization wrote: “The dishes chosen for the Diwali banquet hosted by the Prime Minister are themselves the symbol of Diwali. They show an atrocious lack. of understanding or respect for the religious traditions associated with the festival.
Hindus raised doubts about 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 inclusion. Author and religious speaker Pandit Satish K Sharma said: “Any complete lack of sensitivity and simple advice at this level is a problem.” matter of great concern. Even if it wasn’t intentional, it’s 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 hosted by Britain’s first British-Hindu Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. However, number 10 Downing Street has not commented on the controversy surrounding the banquet held on October 29. Government sources indicated that several communities were invited to the banquet and the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Diwas was also celebrated. (Language)
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