Along with his family, including his wife Akshata Murty, their two daughters, and his parents, Sunak participated in the Aarti ceremony, lighting candles and offering prayers. The event drew worshippers from other areas, including Dorset and Isle of Wight, due to the limited number of temples in the south of England.
Sunak, who grew up in Southampton and attended the same temple as a child, is the first British-Indian Prime Minister of the UK. Earlier, the Sunak family marked Diwali by lighting the Diyas candle at the doorstep of Downing Street in London.
Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is celebrated by millions of people of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and signifies new beginnings.
The festival is observed with candlelight, fireworks, and Rangoli displays using petals and sand. Rishi Sunak's participation in the celebrations highlights his personal connection to the festival and its significance in the UK.