Gordon Brown was garlanded as Downing Street played host for the first time to a celebration of the Hindu and Sikh festival Diwali.
At a Number 10 reception marking the start of this year’s Diwali period, the Prime Minister also lit the special candles used to mark the festival.
It was attended by invited prominent members of the Sikh and Hindu communities from across Britain.
They included Labour MP Keith Vaz, who helped organise the event, curry millionaire Sir Gulam Noon and Labour peer Lord Paul, who has this week been embroiled in expenses allegations.
Mr Brown told the gathering it was “a great day for Downing Street”.
He added: “For centuries Diwali has been celebrated.
”This is the first time we have had such a celebration here in Downing Street.”
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