Prime Minister’s Diwali party with alcohol and meat offends British Hindus

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attempt to celebrate Diwali with the British Indian community at 10 Downing Street has sparked controversy after alcohol and meat were served at the event, angering many attendees.

Happy Diwali to all those celebrating across the UK, I wish you and your family a joyful celebration.

This is a time of coming together, abundance and welcome, and a moment to fix our eyes on the light which always triumphs over the darkness. pic.twitter.com/UXSHnXEI7w

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 31, 2024

The annual Diwali party, which included prayers, lighting of diyas, a speech by the Prime Minister, and traditional Indian dance, was attended by Labour MPs, community leaders, councillors, and members of the armed forces.

The Labour Party wishes Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across Britain a happy and joyful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. pic.twitter.com/TfbhTThnL2

— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) October 31, 2024

However, many guests were taken aback when lamb kebabs, fish, beer, and wine were offered. Some guests raised concerns with catering staff, only to be told that the items had been pre-ordered.

In a statement on social media, Insight UK wrote, “Diwali is not just a time for festivity but also holds a deeply religious meaning.”

“The choice of menu at the Diwali celebration hosted by the Prime Minister himself, displays an appalling lack of understanding or respect for the religious traditions associated with with the festival of Diwali.”

𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞: 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥

This year's Diwali celebration at 10 Downing Street, hosted by PM Keir Starmer has sparked significant backlash after reports surfaced… pic.twitter.com/13IB1WRJlE

— INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) November 8, 2024

This year’s event stands in stark contrast to last year’s Diwali celebration, hosted by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, where alcohol and meat were not served.

Tonight Prime Minister @RishiSunak welcomed guests from the Hindu community to Downing Street ahead of #Diwali – a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness.

Shubh Diwali to everyone across the UK and around the world celebrating from this weekend! pic.twitter.com/JqSjX8f85F

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) November 8, 2023

Many British Indians told the Times of India that the inclusion of such items was offensive, with some describing it as “repulsive” and “tainting the spiritual essence of the festival.”

British Hindu pandit Satish K. Sharma to TOI:

“Shri Rama, considered the epitome of virtue, is honoured during Diwali. Celebrating his return to Ayodhya with slaughtered animals and alcohol contradicts the very spirit of the festival.”

Insight UK further questioned whether Hindu community leaders were consulted to ensure greater cultural inclusivity, calling for better consideration in future events that aim to promote multiculturalism.

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