Diwali: Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty Host S Jaishankar & Wife, See Photos

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also extended a warm welcome to guests from the Indian community for a Diwali celebration at his official residence, 10 Downing Street.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted Indian External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar and his wife, Kyoko, on Diwali for a tea party at his official residence, 10 Downing Street. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), S Jaishankar shared photographs from the event and thanked the UK Minister's family for their gracious hospitality.

The Indian External Affairs Minister said that India and the UK are actively engaging in reframing the relation for contemporary times.

Delighted to call on Prime Minister @RishiSunak on #Diwali Day. Conveyed the best wishes of PM @narendramodi.

India and UK are actively engaged in reframing the relationship for contemporary times.

Thank Mr. and Mrs. Sunak for their warm reception and gracious hospitality. pic.twitter.com/p37OLqC40N
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 12, 2023

Diwali Party with the Indian Community

UK PM Sunak and his family extended a warm welcome to guests from the Indian community for a Diwali celebration on November 9. The UK Prime Minister's office's social media handle shared snapshots of the event, featuring Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, lighting traditional lamps, or diyas, amid a sizable gathering that had gathered to partake in the festive occasion.

murty- sunak diwali party — Photo: @10DowningStreet on X (formerly Twitter)

In a post on X, the PM's office stated, "Tonight, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted members of the Hindu community at Downing Street in anticipation of Diwali – a commemoration of the victory of light over darkness."

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 from this weekend! pic.twitter.com/JqSjX8f85F
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) November 8, 2023

The Downing Street Details

On the X post, the office also shared several pictures from the celebration. The images showcased Downing Street adorned with diyas and vibrant lights, attracting a large crowd to partake in the festivities. It also showed Murty adorned in a red and gold brocade kurta and pants walking, and lighting diyas alongside Sunak.

The post also extended Diwali wishes, stating, "Shubh Diwali to everyone across the UK and around the world."

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizes the spiritual triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year, Diwali will be observed on November 12.

Rooted in Punjab, Sunak is a devoted Hindu who regularly attends the Southampton temple of his birth. During their recent trip to India for the G20 Summit, the couple offered prayers at the renowned Akshardham Temple in New Delhi.

US Vice President's Diwali Party

As reported by the Mint, US Vice President Kamala Harris also hosted a Diwali party at her official residence, emphasizing the significance of celebrating the festival of light amid challenging global circumstances, notably the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

It was an honor to celebrate Diwali with @VP Kamala Harris in D.C. tonight. May your Diwali be free from darkness and abundant with light.Happy Diwali!! 🎇 pic.twitter.com/FcaSY6e3GV
— Kevin Thomas (@KevinThomasNY) November 8, 2023

In her brief remarks, the 59-year-old Harris stated, "We celebrate Diwali at a time when there's a lot happening in our world. I think it's important that as we celebrate Diwali, which is about celebrating the light, we understand it is always in the context of understanding the contrast between light and dark moments."

She acknowledged the difficult and dark moments globally, specifically mentioning the distressing images and reports emerging from Israel and Gaza, expressing devastation and heartbreak over the situation, both for herself and her husband, Doug.