Prime Minister Theresa May leads tribute to Diwali

More than 150 prominent Hindu, Sikh and Jain individuals gathered at 10 Downing St to celebrate Diwali. They met last week at Downing, although the official celebration was yesterday. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said:

The achievements of our British Indian communities - one and half million people- demonstrates just how much a country can achieve when talent is unleashed and people of all backgrounds are able to fulfil their potential.”

The Hindu mythology of Diwali marks the return of Ayodhya of Rama, his wife Sita and brother Laksman after 14 years of exile and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. For many however, Diwali is simply and spiritually a festival of light, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries and cities where it is observed.

In my home town, Leicester, there are some of the biggest Diwali celebrations in the country. Tens of thousands come out, usually along Belgrave Rd, to eat, meet and celebrate a joyous moment.

Happy Diwali

Simon Woolley