Brown hosts Diwali party at 10 Downing Street

London, Oct 17: After the 'first' Diwali in White House, the festival lit up 10, Downing Street for the first time too.

Speaking to the gathering in the Pillared Room of his official residence on Friday, Oct 17 night, Prime Minister Gordan Brown said, "This is a great day for Downing Street, a great day for us and a great day for Britain to celebrate Diwali for the first time in Downing Street. This is a historic event."

Much like the Oct 14 ceremony at the White House in which US president, Barack Obama lit the traditional 'diya' or lamp and spoke about the festival's significance, the UK event too saw Vedic Mantras seeking world peace.

Donning a garland, Gordon Brown thanked the British Indian community for the contribution they have made to the country along adding that he looks forward to host a Diwali celebration every year.

Among those who attended the ceremony were new Indian high commissioner Nalin Surie, NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul, NRI entrepreneur Sir Gulam Noon, hotelier Joginder Sangar, former minister Keith Vaz and noted Indian artist MF Hussain.

OneIndia News