Downing Street Apologizes for Diwali Celebration Mistake

Downing Street has issued an apology to British Hindus after serving meat and alcohol at its annual Diwali celebration, acknowledging a 'mistake' in the event's organization. The reception, which took place on October 29, drew backlash from attendees, including Conservative MP Shivani Raja, who expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of understanding of Hindu customs. Although Hinduism does not explicitly prohibit meat or alcohol, many adherents are vegetarians or choose not to drink. A spokesperson for Number 10 reassured the community that such an oversight would not occur again and emphasized the government’s respect for the contributions of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities. The Diwali event at Downing Street, which has been held since 2009, gained particular prominence under the premiership of Rishi Sunak, the UK's first Hindu prime minister. Previous celebrations have typically featured vegetarian and alcohol-free offerings, making this year's menu especially controversial.