In preparation for Diwali, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty marked the festival of lights with members of the Hindu community at his official residence in 10 Downing Street in London on November 9.
"Tonight Prime Minister @RishiSunak welcomed guests from the Hindu community to Downing Street ahead of #Diwali -- a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness. Shubh Diwali to everyone across the UK and around the world celebrating this weekend!" shared Sunak's office in a post on X.
The Prime Minister's office also posted images from the event, depicting Sunak and his wife lighting the traditional lamp and extending greetings to the guests.
After becoming the first Indian-origin and first Hindu Prime Minister of the UK last year, Sunak committed to "doing everything I can in this job to build a Britain where our children and our grandchildren can light their diyas."
Sunak, originally from Punjab, emphasized the significance of his Hindu faith, stating that it provides strength and resilience during times of stress. He expressed his pride in being a Hindu during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September of this year.
In his role as Chancellor of the Exchequer during the pandemic Diwali of 2020, Sunak illuminated Downing Street with diyas.