LONDON, Nov 11: An Indian origin community organisation associated with Britain’s ruling Labour Party celebrated Diwali at the historic Palace of Westminster, with a special recitation of the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ at the House of Lords complex.
The event was hosted on Monday by British Indian peer Lord Uday Nagaraju, a patron of the Labour Asians Society, a network comprising Indian origin Labour parliamentarians and community representatives.
The devotional hymn was performed with live musical accompaniment on the tabla and harmonium, reflecting the growing recognition of Indian cultural traditions in British political institutions. The programme also followed a similar Diwali celebration at 10 Downing Street last month, where the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ was recited.
Speaking on the occasion, Nagaraju said Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. He described hosting the celebration at the House of Lords as a privilege and highlighted the importance of recognising cultural traditions within Britain’s diverse society.
The gathering also paid tribute to millions of soldiers from the Indian subcontinent who served alongside British forces during the First and Second World Wars. The remembrance was particularly significant as the programme coincided with the United Kingdom’s Remembrance Week, observed in honour of military personnel who lost their lives in conflicts.
Manish Tiwari, co-chair of the Labour Asians Society and founder of marketing agency Here & Now 365, said Diwali represents a message of unity that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
He noted that the festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists and has increasingly become part of Britain’s wider multicultural celebrations.
Tiwari also described the recitation of the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ within the House of Lords as a memorable occasion for the Indian community, emphasising its cultural and spiritual significance.
Diwali celebrations across Britain extend beyond community gatherings, with events regularly organised in parliamentary corridors, the City of London financial district and leading businesses operating within the India-UK economic partnership.
Such programmes provide opportunities for people from different backgrounds to participate in Indian traditions while strengthening cultural connections and community relationships across the United Kingdom.