The Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, is celebrated in London this month.
The colourful event is one of the most popular festivals of Hinduism and it symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance".
Diwali is a celebration of those who consider themselves Hindu, Sikh and Jain but today the London Assembly supported the celebration for all Londoners.
In a unanimous motion, the Assembly pledged to continue to support promoting an open and accepting culture in London which adds to the fabric of London life.
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly looks forward to Diwali in November this year and recognises the importance of the celebration in the lives of Hindu, Sikh and Jain Londoners. The Assembly notes that the teaching of Diwali has happened in schools for many decades, and is a welcome contribution to community relations, promoting a better understanding of the customs of our friends and neighbours.
This Assembly believes that though we are all different, we are one London, and that our diversity and multiculturalism is a strength. It helps to promote an open and accepting culture, which in turn is what makes us a top destination for trade and business, as well as one of the leading cultural centres of the world.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously
- Andrew Dismore AM proposed the motion and Navin Shah AM seconded the motion.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Funmi Olutoye on 020 7084 2713. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100