London: Diwali was celebrated for the first
time at the 10 Downing Street here amid chanting of Vedic
prayers for world peace, with British Prime Minister Gordon
Brown terming it a "historic event".
"This is a great day for Downing Street, a great day for
us and a great day for Britain to celebrate Diwali for the
first time in Downing Street. This is a historic event," a
beaming Brown told a packed gathering in the Pillared Room of
his official residence last evening after formally lighting
the lamp.
Thanking the Indian comunity for their cultural and
economic contribution to British life, Brown said he looked
forward to holding a Diwali reception every year.
The Prime Minister was presented with a garland and a
model of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, popularly known as the
Neasden Temple, in north London.
The new Indian High Commissioner Nalin Surie, NRI
industrialist Lord Swraj Paul, NRI entrepreneur Sir Gulam
Noon, hotelier Joginder Sangar, former minister Keith Vaz and
noted Indian artist M F Hussain were among those present on
the occasion.
Earlier Brown said in a message: "as people come
together for the beginning of Diwali, the festival of lights,
we all have the opportunity to reflect on the year that has
passed, and to face the future with renewed hope - as the
story of Rama and Sita and how good betters evil is brought
alive once again".
Vaz lauded Brown for taking the initiative to celebrate
Diwali at Downing Street for the first time in history and
said Hussain would present one of his paintings to Brown.
A traditional arrangement of Indian food was also on
offer to Hindu deities as part of the celebrations.
"From Dhanteras to Bhair dooj, over the coming five days
your homes will be filled with light and celebrations - and
our thoughts will be with you all. Diwali's messages of hope
and togetherness bind Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist
communities here and around the world, and should be a source
of inspiration and reflection for us all.
"I send my warmest good wishes to you all for a peaceful
and joyous Diwali," Brown said in a message earlier.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 14:05