The government issued an apology after meat and alcohol were served at a Downing Street Diwali event, causing upset among Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities

Downing Street has issued an apology after meat and alcohol were served at a Diwali celebration last month, a move that sparked criticism for being inconsistent with the traditions of many Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. The incident occurred at a reception hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to mark the five-day festival, which celebrates light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The apology came after Conservative MP Shivani Raja sent a letter to Starmer expressing concern that the event did not respect the cultural norms of the communities it aimed to celebrate. Raja, a vocal advocate for cultural sensitivity, said the decision to serve meat and alcohol was “not in keeping with the customs of many Hindus” and indicated a “disappointing lack of knowledge” about the values that British citizens of these faiths hold dear.

A Downing Street spokesperson acknowledged the error, stating that “a mistake was made in the organisation of the event.” The statement continued, “We understand the strength of feeling on this issue and so would apologise to the community and assure them it will not happen again.”

The Diwali celebration at Downing Street was part of a long-standing tradition that dates back to 2009 under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This event has been continued by successive governments, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first Hindu prime minister, who hosted a similar event in 2022. However, this year’s misstep has drawn heightened attention due to its apparent disregard for the customs observed by those celebrating the festival.

Diwali, which is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, holds particular significance for its spiritual symbolism of renewal and overcoming adversity. While there are varying practices among individuals of these faiths, there are shared values. For many Hindus, cows are considered sacred, and some avoid meat entirely, particularly beef, during the festival. Additionally, Sikhs and Jains often abstain from alcohol, and many observe a vegetarian diet as part of their religious observances.

The Downing Street reception, while intended to honour these communities, has been criticised for not reflecting their dietary practices. The prime minister had welcomed attendees from a wide range of backgrounds to celebrate the occasion, paying tribute to the contributions of the British Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities to the UK’s social fabric. He also highlighted the shared values of hard work, ambition, and aspiration that unite these groups with the broader British public.

This controversy highlights the growing awareness and sensitivity to cultural practices and expectations in the UK, particularly in events involving diverse religious communities. The apology from Downing Street aims to reaffirm the government’s commitment to understanding and respecting these traditions, assuring the public that such a mistake will not be repeated in future celebrations.