British Hindus Raise Concerns Over 'Non veg And Alcohol' At UK PM Stramer's Diwali Party (Image-Instagram/keirstarmer)
London, UK: The inclusion of non-vegetarian snacks and alcohol at the Diwali reception of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stirred controversy with several British Hindus raising concerns over the lack of cultural sensitivity and understanding.
Even though the Diwali reception, which happened at the 10 Downing Street on October 29 was lightened up with the cultural performance of the renowned Kuchipudi dance artist Arunima Kumar, spiritual messages and musics, the choice of menu shocked the British Hindu guests. Because, the menu reportedly includes non-vegetarian dishes like lamb kebabs and liquors like beer and wine, which is deemed disrespectful to Hindu traditions. Notably, meat and liquor were not served during Rishi Sunak’s Diwali party last year.
Over this issue, the community organisation Insight UK raised concerns about the “lack of understanding of the Hindu festival’s spiritual aspects and respect for the religious traditions associated with the festival”.
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Explaining the strict avoidance of alcohol and non vegetarian foods on these occasions, the organisation wrote, “Diwali is not just a time for festivity, but also holds a deeply religious meaning. The sacred festival of Diwali emphasizes on purity and devotion and hence traditionally involves vegetarian meals and strict avoidance of alcohol.”
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Highlighting the need for discussion and consultation, the organisation wrote, “We urge for greater consideration in future events and celebrations, which are intended to promote multiculturalism and inclusivity but are not mindful of the cultural and religious practices of the communities they seek to honor. Ultimately it’s a call for consultation with the Hindu community when it comes to representing and honoring their faith traditions and festivals.”
Moreover, Shakti Sharma, a well known British Hindu Pandit also expressed his disappointment over the issue and said, “I was disappointed and frankly quite shocked that this year’s celebrations at 10 Downing Street, rather than being a reflective, positive and uplifting spiritual coming together, it seems to have been more of an inebriated meat-induced stupor dominated event.”
‘The complete lack of sensitivity and simple consultation, at any level, is of great concern. If accidental, it’s still disappointing. @SeemaMalhotra1 ?
If deliberate @UKLabour and @10DowningStreet team have again sent a message to the British Hindu community’. @Keir_Starmer may… https://t.co/GxCcXrfYr7 pic.twitter.com/czzDQfv5jq— Pt Satish K Sharma MBCS FRSA FRAS (@thebritishhindu) November 10, 2024
As this issue is raising constant concerns, Downing Street has not yet commented on the choice of menu for the event, which was the first Diwali reception held since the Labour Party took office. The reception was attended by British Indian community leaders, parliamentarians, and professionals.
