The British government has apologized for serving meat and alcohol at an event held in Downing Street to celebrate Diwali. The event took place last month, but it overlooked the fact that serving meat and alcohol could conflict with the traditions of many Hindu citizens.
Conservative MP Shivani Raja wrote a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, stating that the decision was inconsistent with the customs of many Hindus and demonstrated a lack of understanding of the traditions that many British citizens value.
According to a report by Politico, a Downing Street spokesperson acknowledged that a mistake was made in organizing the event. “We understand the community’s strong feelings on this matter and apologize for it. We assure that this will not happen again,” the spokesperson said.
Diwali celebrations at Downing Street began in 2009 under Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The tradition has continued under subsequent prime ministers, including Rishi Sunak, who became the UK’s first Hindu prime minister in 2022.
This five-day festival, also celebrated by Sikh and Jain communities, symbolizes new beginnings, the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Hindus have various beliefs regarding animals, but cows are considered sacred, and many refrain from eating meat, especially during festivals. Sikh and Jain communities often avoid alcohol, with many choosing to remain vegetarian.
The Downing Street spokesperson stated that the prime minister was pleased to host different communities and praised the significant contributions of British Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities to the country, highlighting the shared values of hard work, ambition, and success that drive the government.
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