[ad_1]
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak urged fellow Hindus to “play by the rules” during Diwali as he lit small clay oil lamps on the door of his official residence at 11 Downing Street to usher in the five-day festival of lights
Diwali, which began on Thursday, is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world. Lamps and candles are lit on the doors and windows of houses and temples, and the holiday usually features fireworks displays. The main day of the festival is Saturday.
Sunak acknowledged that Diwali would be difficult under Covid’s shutdown restrictions, but said: “We are going to get through this. And it will be much better on the other side. “
Outdoor celebrations across the UK have been canceled due to the pandemic. Many municipalities are offering Diwali celebrations online on Saturday, and families are urged to celebrate via social media and Zoom.
Sunak told the BBC: “Faith is important to me. I am a practicing Hindu. I pray with my children, I visit the temple when I can, at this time much less because I am busy.
“For us as Hindus, Diwali is special and it is going to be difficult this year. But we have Zoom, we have the phone, and most importantly, we have each other. Whether or not you can see someone the family bond, that bond of love will always be there. “
He added: “We will have many happy moments afterwards. But to keep everyone safe right now, just follow the rules. “
Leicester City Council is hosting a virtual Diwali celebration, with video messages posted by members of the public and footage from last year’s fireworks, as well as music, dancing, and traditional diva lamp lighting.
“We all need to find different ways to celebrate important festivals like Diwali and Christmas this year,” said Deputy Mayor Piara Singh Clair. “While we are unable to meet our extended families in person this year, our virtual Diwali celebration will help bring people together for an experience they can share with a family member or friend, anywhere in the world.”
The University of Birmingham is organizing a virtual cultural concert with musicians and dancers from around the world.
The main Diwali celebration in London, which usually takes place in Trafalgar Square, has moved online.
Sister Jayanti, Chairperson of the 2020 London Diwali Committee, said: “This Diwali will be very different from all the others we have experienced. However, I am sure that the Diwali spirit will definitely be fine and strong.
“Diwali is the celebration of light and therefore comes at a time of darkness, when there seems to be many sad stories of grief, illness and financial difficulties, all caused by a virus, we must ensure that our inner light remains on “.
According to a survey by money transfer company WorldRemit, four out of five people of South Asian descent in the UK say Diwali means being close to family and friends, with only about a third mentioning its religious significance.
Boris Johnson posted a video online wishing people Shubh Diwali (Happy Diwali). He said: “Running through the occasion is the central message of good over evil, hope over despair, knowledge over ignorance, an uplifting message that I believe we can all carry to our hearts.”
