🪔As Diwali approaches, 10 Downing Street — the British Prime Minister’s official residence — shimmered in the glow of diyas and floral decorations, marking the start of Diwali celebrations in the United Kingdom.
While Prime Minister Keir Starmer was attending the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt, Communities Secretary Steve Reed led the ceremony by lighting the traditional diya, symbolising hope, unity, and light triumphing over darkness.
🌟 Starmer’s Message: “Light Triumphs Over Darkness”
In a heartfelt Diwali message shared from abroad, Prime Minister Starmer hailed the British Indian community for its extraordinary contribution to the United Kingdom.
“Just days ago, I lit a diya in Mumbai, and earlier this evening, a diya was lit in Downing Street – as a symbol of hope, unity, and promise,” Starmer said, referencing his recent visit to India.
“Nowhere is that living bridge more visible than in the extraordinary contribution of the British Indian community. Through your hard work, your values, and your generosity, you have shaped our economy, enriched our culture, and strengthened our national life in countless ways.”
He added that Diwali’s message — that light conquers darkness and hope triumphs over fear — reflects the enduring values that unite both nations.
“As the diyas shine tonight, may they light the path to a future of peace, prosperity, and continued friendship at home and across our world.”
🎶 Cultural Harmony Lights Up Downing Street
The evening began with a Hanuman Chalisa rendition by Chinmaya Mission UK’s Swaranjali Group, followed by devotional prayers from ISKCON’s Visakha Dasi and BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir’s Kirit Wadia.
The celebration was attended by prominent leaders from the Indian diaspora and British government, symbolizing the enduring “living bridge” between the two nations.
🇮🇳 Shared Values, Stronger Ties
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, Steve Reed said this year’s Diwali celebrations carried special meaning, as they coincided with the historic Gaza peace agreement.
“The message of Diwali — light overcoming darkness, hope and unity — resonates even more deeply at this moment in our planet’s history,” he said.
Seema Malhotra, Minister for Equalities and the Indo-Pacific, highlighted that Diwali reflects shared British and Indian values of compassion and community, and praised Starmer’s recent visit to India for deepening bilateral ties.
Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland and a member of Starmer’s India delegation, described the trip as “generationally significant — pregnant with possibilities for the future.”
🕯️ Westminster Diwali: Strengthening the ‘Living Bridge’
Starmer’s message was later read aloud by Lord Krish Raval at the Westminster Diwali celebration, held in partnership with the High Commission of India, the India All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), and the India Global Forum.
India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, emphasized the growing India–UK partnership:
“Our effort is to see how business can drive growth, how education partnerships can unite societies, and how technology can shape the future. There is no partnership as momentous as that between India and the UK.”
Lord Karan Bilimoria, APPG President Sandy Verma, and Minister for AI and Online Safety Kanishka Narayan echoed similar sentiments, calling Diwali a reminder of the “living bridge that binds our nations through shared heritage, innovation, and people-to-people connections.”
🌍 A Celebration of Friendship and Light
This year’s Diwali celebrations at Downing Street not only celebrated faith and culture, but also symbolized the deepening friendship between India and the United Kingdom — grounded in shared values of democracy, diversity, and dialogue.
Downing Street Lights Up for Diwali as PM Keir Starmer Praises British Indian Community and India–UK Ties
Downing Street glows with diyas ahead of Diwali as PM Keir Starmer praises the British Indian community and highlights the growing India–UK partnership during London’s celebrations. Diwali at Downing Street, Keir Starmer India ties, British Indian community, UK–India relations, Diwali London 2025.
