Conservative Party Chairman, Patrick McLoughlin, joined fellow Conservative MP, Amanda Solloway, to celebrate the switching on of the Diwali lights in Derby.
The event took place at the Geeta Bhawan temple, on Pear Tree Road, on Friday evening.
Following the light switch-on, Patrick, MP for West Derbyshire, was invited on stage to say a few words. He sent his best wishes to the United Kingdom’s over 800,000 Hindus on the holy occasion of Diwali which teaches that good always prevails over evil.
The speeches were followed by performances by groups of children performing vedic shlokas, Bollywood dancing, and some “yogic jogging”.
Following the event, Patrick McLoughlin said: “It was a pleasure to be in Derby for the start of the Diwali celebrations.
“This holy festival is an important opportunity in our national calendar to shine a light on the communities who do so much to make Britain great.
“To everyone celebrating, let me wish you a happy and peaceful Diwali.”