The Hanuman Chalisa was recited at the House of Lords on November 9 during the Labour Asians Society’s Diwali celebration, in what organizers described in a statement as the first such recitation at the venue.
Held in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace at the Palace of Westminster, the event brought together parliamentarians, community leaders, business representatives and members of the British Asian community. Manish Tiwari, founder of Here&Now365, led the celebration, which was hosted by Lord Uday Nagaraju of Bloomsbury, the society’s patron. The recitation featured live accompaniment on tabla and harmonium, according to the statement.
Taking place the day after Remembrance Sunday, the gathering opened with a minute of silence led by Tiwari. Guests honored those who served and died in conflicts, including soldiers from the Indian subcontinent who fought alongside British forces during both World Wars.
In his remarks, Tiwari described Diwali as a festival with a message that extends across faiths and communities.
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“Diwali is the light that shines across the divide of communities and is an essential part of our shared ancient heritage. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, and today it is embraced by people of every background across Britain. To hear the Hanuman Chalisa recited here for the first time is a moment our community will remember for a long time,” Tiwari said.
Welcoming attendees to Parliament, Nagaraju highlighted the Labour Asians Society’s contribution to public life and its efforts to bring communities together.
“Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness, and of good over evil. It is a privilege to host this celebration at the House of Lords, and I am grateful to Manish & the LAS team for making it possible. The Labour Asians Society continues to make a valuable contribution, and I am proud to stand with them as patron,” Nagaraju said.
The society’s chair, Atta Haq, thanked Nagaraju, Tiwari and the attendees. According to the statement, he also discussed the organization’s work to encourage British Asian participation in public life and strengthen connections between communities.
Guests included Gurinder Singh Josan, the member of Parliament for Smethwick; Virendra Sharma, former member of Parliament for Ealing Southall; Hanuman Dass, founder of the humanitarian charity Go Dharmic; and Chandru Iyer of Grant Thornton. Community leaders, business representatives and supporters of the society also attended.
Maria Saroya Haq delivered the vote of thanks, recognizing the host, sponsors, musicians and guests for their contributions to the evening.
The celebration concluded with guests exchanging Diwali greetings on the Terrace, with the statement describing the gathering as an occasion for unity, friendship and hope for the coming year.
