London: For the first time in history, the sacred Hanuman Chalisa has been recited in the House of Lords, the upper house of the British Parliament. This rare and historic moment took place during a Diwali celebration organized by the ‘Labour Asians Society’ on November 9. A video of this devotional recitation has been released on social media and is currently going viral.
Melodious Devotional Chants at the Palace of Westminster:
This special Diwali event was held in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace at the Palace of Westminster. Manish Tiwari, founder of the organization ‘Here & Now 365,’ led the celebrations, while Lord Uday Nagaraju, patron of the Labour Asians Society, hosted the event.
The Hanuman Chalisa was sung with deep devotion, accompanied by the melodious sounds of the tabla and harmonium. The event was celebrated with the participation of not only people of Indian origin residing in Britain but also several Members of the British Parliament and other prominent figures.
Diwali as a Symbol of Unity:
Speaking at the event, Manish Tiwari highlighted the significance of the Hanuman Chalisa and remarked, “Diwali is not merely a festival; it is a festival of lights that fosters unity among diverse communities. Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, this festival now sees enthusiastic participation from people of all backgrounds in Britain. The recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa in the House of Lords—for the very first time—is a special moment that our community will cherish with pride for a long time to come.”
The resonance of the Hanuman Chalisa within a prestigious institution like the British Parliament serves as a testament to the respect and recognition that Indian culture, spirituality, and traditions are garnering on the international stage.