LONDON, UK—The Sikh occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas has received a special mention by all three of the major political parties in the UK.
The Sikh Federation (UK) approached the leaders of each party directly or through contacts and informed them about Bandi Chhor Divas.
Prime Minister David Cameron mentioned the occasion in his speech in 10 Downing Street:
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg:
Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour party, said:
I am delighted to send my best wishes to British Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists who are celebrating Diwali.
The Festival of Lights is the celebration of good over evil. It celebrates the homecoming of Lord Rama and in the symbolic lighting of the lamps, reminds us that we must all join together to build a stronger society that is founded on the values of peace, community and prosperity for all – values that are shared by the Labour Party.
In Jainism, Diwali celebrates the spiritual enlightenment of Lord Mahavira, a particularly special time for British Jains. The British Sikh community celebrate Diwali as it coincides with the Day of Freedom, or Bandi Shor (Shodh) Divas. The Guru was freed from imprisonment and arrived in Amritsar on the Day of Freedom. Amritsar is of course still a Holy place of worship for Sikhs across the world today.
The British Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities in Britain contribute so much across all sectors from finance and business to education, science and entertainment. The culture and diversity you bring is part of what makes Britain so unique.
On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish you a joyous and peaceful day and the very best wishes for the year ahead.
Happy Diwali!
