Politics1 min read

Inside UK PM's Diwali party: Gita chanting, vegetarian snacks and more

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The Diwali gathering at the official Prime Minister's residence featured rooms adorned with flowers, diyas, rangolis, and a murti of Lord Ganesha, as documented on Instagram by travel creator Shanu. Guests enjoyed vegetarian food and soft drinks while participating in spiritual observances, including a Bhagavad Gita recitation, the singing of the Hanuman Chalisa, and the Hare Krishna Mahamantra chant. The ceremonial diya was formally lit by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham alongside his wife. Officials used the platform to commend the decorations, thank public service staff, and pledge enduring bilateral links with India.

Key points

  • The gathering recognized community members for their dedicated efforts across the health…: The gathering recognized community members for their dedicated efforts across the health sector and broader public services.
  • Official remarks included a commitment to establishing the strongest possible bilateral l…: Official remarks included a commitment to establishing the strongest possible bilateral links with India.
  • Travel creator Shanu publicly documented the gathering's traditional decorations, vegetar…: Travel creator Shanu publicly documented the gathering's traditional decorations, vegetarian catering, and religious ceremonies on Instagram.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

A Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street gave travel creator Shanu, who goes by @shinewithshanu on Instagram, an opportunity to see how the festival was celebrated at the official residence of the UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. From flower decorations, diyas and rangolis to vegetarian food, Bhagavad Gita recitation and the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, she shared details of the evening in a video posted on Instagram.

“Come celebrate Diwali with me at the UK Prime Minister's residence, 10 Downing Street, and you're going to be amazed. I'm so honoured to have been invited to the UK PM's Diwali reception,” she said at the beginning of the video.

After completing the security checks, Shanu entered the historic residence and showed viewers the decorations arranged for the occasion. The rooms featured flowers, diyas, rangolis and a murti of Lord Ganesha. “We are inside and I'm absolutely awestruck by how beautifully everything was decorated for Diwali. There were gorgeous flower decorations, Ganesh ji's murti, diyas, and beautiful rangolis. The entire place was glowing with the beauty of Diwali,” she said.

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