Rishi Sunak celebrates Diwali in Southampton Hindu temple

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You can read our report on the Prime Minister's visit here.

A clip of the speech Mr Sunak gave while visiting the temple.

A snippet of the PM’s speech tonight. pic.twitter.com/YdCpKOk7hb

— Jose Ramos (@Journo_Jose) November 12, 2023

He was warmly welcomed by the temple community. pic.twitter.com/z0kHleB77l

— Jose Ramos (@Journo_Jose) November 12, 2023

The PM sitting down and clapping along to the music. pic.twitter.com/RA4P0Zse1X

— Jose Ramos (@Journo_Jose) November 12, 2023

Rishi Sunak at the temple with his family in Southampton pic.twitter.com/LZh2lOtmdD

— Jose Ramos (@Journo_Jose) November 12, 2023

'Wonderful to be back home'

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Vedic Society Hindu Temple with his family to celebrate Diwali (Image: Newsquest)

In his short speech, Mr Sunak said it was "absolutely wonderful" to be "back home in Southampton with my family".

He added: "(It's) also wonderful to be back here in this very special (place) where I grew up. I have so many happy memories of my time here as a kid.

"This was also the place where the values that my parents raised me with were reinforced every week. The importance of family, faith, service, education and hard work. 

"Looking around I'm inspired that there’s a whole new young generation that is being raised with those same values."

Mr Sunak also reflected on his first year as Prime Minister.

He said: "I became Prime Minister on Diwali time last year, it’s fair to say it hasn’t been the easiest of years but whenever things are difficult I want you to know that your messages, your support and prayers are what give me the strength that I need to keep going.

"I will do everything that I can to make you proud."

Sanjay Chandarana, president of The Vedic Society Hindu Temple, described Mr Sunak as "the most suitable prime minister the country could ever have", adding: "Rishi made us all very proud".

Mr Sunak made a short speech during his visit, essentially praising the positive impact the temple has had on his life.

We will bring you his words shortly.

The Prime Minister left at around 7pm.

Rishi Sunak at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple (Image: Newsquest)

What is Diwali?

For those who may not know, Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is a popular Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil or light over darkness.

Millions of people around the world come together to pray, enjoy food and light fireworks.

Sanjay Chandarana, president of The Vedic Society Hindu Temple, told us yesterday: "Diwali is all about celebration, it’s the festival of lights, it’s about all about decoration. It is supposed to bring all people together.

"People know of Diwali, they know this is a festival but it’s a lot bigger than that, it’s about bringing unity. It’s about reflecting over the last year and about hope for the next year."

Southampton's Hindu community also celebrated Diwali at Westquay yesterday but the main celebrations are tonight.

The five-day festival of lights began on Friday though celebrations always peak on the third day of the festival which this year falls on November 12.

Rishi Sunak at Southampton's Hindu temple (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Sunak is said to regularly visit the temple.

Last summer, just two months before he became Prime Minister, he was photographed there with his wife and daughters.

He was helping prepare and dish out food and taking selfies with members.

Rishi Sunak during a previous visit to the temple (Image: Newsquest)

A few videos from his visit

A great turnout at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple for #Diwali tonight, no doubt boosted by the special guests pic.twitter.com/7QEaW3U9M8

— Daily Echo (@dailyecho) November 12, 2023

The Prime Minister is enjoying a drumming performance with members of the Hindu community - happily clapping along.

Rishi Sunak at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Sunak lighting a candle...

Rishi Sunak lighting a candle at Southampton's Hindu temple (Image: Newsquest)

Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India, the equivalent of Christmas in Christian countries, and lots of people have come to the temple tonight.

Mr Sunak and his family sharing a prayer at Southampton's Hindu temple (Image: Newsquest)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has travelled to Southampton tonight to celebrate Diwali in his hometown's temple.

Mr Sunak, who was born and raised in the city, is joining the celebrations at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Radcliffe Road with parents Yashvir and Usha Sunak, wife Akshata Murty, and their two daughters.

Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Radcliffe Road (Image: Newsquest)