In Britain, Diwali, the festival of lights, the main Hindu festival and second
largest religious festival in the UK was celebrated on Wednesday, October 23,
2010, in the House of Commons. Followed by traditional lamp lighting before a
bronze figure of Ram standing amidst traditional rangoli patterns.
Lord Ram Chandra whose home coming is celebrated as Diwali, worshipped as the
perfect monarch by Hindus wordwide. This tradition is still observed by Hindus
on Diwali night to mark the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
His rule odf law is still held as an example of perfect social order and well
being. The festive joy of Diwali its colourful exuberance and its universal
message of peace, reconciliation, justice and family values appeals to people
of all faiths and none.
Britain is a nation of many faiths and culture and the mother of all
democracies. The institution of the British parliament has upheld the best
principles of equality, justice and peace that have influenced and affected
world ethos and thoughts. Its diversity is the envy of the world.
The House of Commons is the (Lower House) of the parliament of the United
Kingdom, which also comprises the Sovereign and the House of Lords the (Upper
House). Both Commons and Lords meet in the Palace of Westminster.
The celebration of Diwali in the House of Commons is therefore a fitting
tribute to the legacy and friendship between India and Britain. This
multi-party event is an expression of the British Hindu communities success in
cohesively integrating into British society. It offers parliamentarians, civil
servants, faith leaders, business persons, youth, women and elders a unique
opportunity to showcase the Hindu contribution to the British way of life.
The evening transforms the Members room at the House of Commons, Palace of
Westminster into a mini-India with its colourful decorations, lamps, floral
patterns, Hindu images, sweets and Indian music and dance.
Prime Minister David Cameron sent a warm Diwali message. The Deputy Prime
Minister Nick Clegg, Attorney General Dominic Grieve and the Leader of the
Labour Party Ed Miliband all helped to light the lamp of the Hindu Forum of
Britain's celebration of Diwali. Dignitaries were welcomed with the traditional
'tilak' being applied to forehead and offer sweets. On his opening speech
Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrat party RT. Hon. Nick
Clegg MP said " the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities have made and
continue to make an enormous contribution to British society and culture and
its great that so many people up and down the country celebrate Diwali. The
festival of lights is a real opportunity for all of us to celebrate that
contribution and to reflect on the spirit of hope and optimism which Diwali
embodies".
Leader of Her Majesty's Oppostion and the Leader of the Labour Party RT. Hon.
Ed Miliband MP said " this wonderful festival is a brilliant example of the
great cultural diversity of our country and it is an opportunity for us to
reflect on what we have achieved and on our hopes for the future".
Attended by over 120 MPs from all parties. Peers, local councillors, community
leaders, volunteers and members of the public in one of the largest gatherings
of Hindus in the House. Vijay Mallya, founder of united breweries and Member of
India's Rajya Sabha (Upper House) made a guest appearance after receiving
'Entrepreneur of the year' accolades at the Asian Awards the night before.
The celebration ended with everybody singing the Indian National Anthem.
Rini Kakati
