Image courtesy: Instagram/@shinewithshanu
A Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street gave travel creator Shanu, who goes by @shinewithshanu on Instagram, an opportunity to see how the festival was celebrated at the official residence of the UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. “Come celebrate Diwali with me at the UK Prime Minister’s residence, 10 Downing Street, and you’re going to be amazed. Sharing the video, she captioned it: “Diwali Celebrations at the UK Prime Minister’s Residence, 10 Downing Street.
I’m so honoured to have been invited to the UK PM’s Diwali reception,” she said at the beginning of the video. The entire place was glowing with the beauty of Diwali,” she said. Shanu said she enjoyed the vegetarian food and soft drinks served at the event. Everyone, more importantly, thank you for everything that you are doing in your communities to support people, to bring people together, to work in our health service, in our public services,” he said. Have a wonderful evening,” he said. “I feel so blessed to have been part of such a beautiful Diwali celebration,” she said.
From flower decorations, diyas and rangolis to vegetarian food, Bhagavad Gita recitation and the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, she shared details of the evening in a video posted on Instagram. After completing the security checks, Shanu entered the historic residence and showed viewers the decorations arranged for the occasion. The rooms featured flowers, diyas, rangolis and a murti of Lord Ganesha. “We are inside and I’m absolutely awestruck by how beautifully everything was decorated for Diwali. There were gorgeous flower decorations, Ganesh ji’s murti, diyas, and beautiful rangolis. She then waited for the Prime Minister to arrive. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived with his wife. The couple lit the ceremonial diya, after which the gathering observed religious rituals that included a recitation from the Bhagavad Gita and chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. The programme also included the singing of the Hanuman Chalisa. Starmer then addressed the guests and acknowledged the contributions of people working in their communities and public services. “Namaste, Shubh Diwali. The Prime Minister then referred to the UK’s relationship with India. “I can say that as Prime Minister I will be building the strongest possible links with India. Shubh Diwali, everybody. Shanu ended her video by expressing gratitude for being part of the celebration. Some dreams really do come true!”