No 10 has apologised after meat and alcohol were served at a Downing Street event to celebrate the festival of Diwali, held last month. In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative MP Shivani Raja said the decision was "not in keeping with the customs of many Hindus" and displayed a "disappointing lack of knowledge of the customs and traditions that many British citizens hold dear".

Hinduism does not have a clear prohibition on consuming meat and alcohol, but many Hindus choose not to drink or are vegetarian - especially during religious festivals.

Following backlash, No 10 admitted a 'mistake' had been made while organising the event and sought to reassure British Hindus that 'it won't happen again'. | ITV National News

A British Indian Conservative Party MP had expressed concerns over the reception not being “in keeping with the customs of many Hindus”.

Downing Street has apologised after meat and alcohol were served at last month's Diwali reception. Meanwhile, Baroness Harman says Wes Streeting "crossed the line" with his interventions on assisted dying.

Press reports in India said some British Hindu guests were left offended when beer, wine and lamb were offered at the annual Downing Street reception held last month

A section of the British Hindu community criticised the non-vegetarian food and alcohol in Menu, that were served at the event.

British Indian community leaders, professionals and parliamentarians were present at the Diwali reception hosted on October 29 at 10 Downing Street

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office, 10 Downing Street, on Friday (Nov 15) apologised after facing criticism for serving meat and alcohol at its annual Diwali celebration last month. The members of the British Indian community raised concerns over the issue.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Diwali reception at Downing Street has sparked major controversy after meat and alcohol were served, leading to an apology from his office. British Indian MP Shivani Raja expressed disappointment over the event’s failure to respect Hindu traditions.

No10 sorry for serving meat and alcohol at Diwali celebration - Sir Keir Starmer’s team says sorry after gaffe at annual reception two weeks ago