British politicians and royal family in ... Diwali wars???

It is a sparkling religious festival that is celebrated widely in the Indian community – but one that normally passes virtually unrecognised at Westminster.

However, this year politicians have been falling over themselves to host parties for Diwali, the five-day ‘festival of lights’ marked earlier this month by 1.5million of the UK’s Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Gordon Brown and David Cameron held personal Diwali parties for the first time, and separate events were hosted by the Queen and MPs.

During the celebrations, small clay lamps filled with oil are lit to signify ‘victory over the evil within’ and sweets are shared between guests.

The outbreak of ‘Diwali wars’ – as it was dubbed by one MP – left some guests confused about which events to attend, while others, such as the controversial millionaire Lord Paul, happily accepted multiple invitations. More...

Don't miss:

1. Celebrating Diwali away from India...
2. Singapore's "Little India" in Deepavali mood...
3. Petronas Deepavali commercial from Malaysia!
4. Indians are everywhere...