Downing Street first began hosting events to celebrate Diwali in 2009 under then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The tradition has continued under successive prime ministers, including Rishi Sunak, who in 2022 became the UK’s first Hindu prime minister.

The five-day festival, celebrated by Sikhs and Jains as well as Hindus, symbolises new beginnings, the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

There are different interpretations on how Hindus should treat animals, however cows are considered a sacred animal and many choose not to eat beef, while others avoid meat during the festival or altogether.

Practising Sikhs and Jains often abstain from alcohol and many choose to be vegetarian.