Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, has issued the following statement as Diwali gets underway:
"I would like to wish all my constituents a Happy Diwali season. Of course this festival has special significance for the Hindu and Sikh community but it has a message for people of all faiths and none. Diwali is the Festival of Light where adherents of the Hindu faith celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair."
"May this Diwali be as bright as ever and bring joy, health and prosperity. I look forward to being part of the Diwali celebrations at Bhaktivedanta Manor on Sunday. I have been a regular visitor there over the last few years and always enjoy the warm welcome I receive."