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From Bengaluru to Downing St: Diwali's Enduring Magic
11 Nov
Summary
- Diwali celebrations span continents, from Bengaluru to London.
- Murty's childhood tales of epics shaped her festival spirit.
- Tradition grounds Murty, connecting her to roots globally.
Akshata Murty's Diwali celebrations demonstrate the enduring power of tradition across continents. Her childhood in Bengaluru, filled with tales of epics and festive aromas, instilled a deep connection to the festival's spirit. As her life journeyed from India to California, North Yorkshire, and finally London, the core essence of Diwali remained constant.
Even with logistical challenges like calculating time differences for family calls, Murty ensured traditions were upheld. She passed these customs to her daughters, braving cold gardens for sparklers and sharing homemade sweets. The move to Downing Street added a historic dimension when her husband, Rishi Sunak, became the UK's first Hindu prime minister, hosting official Diwali gatherings.
This cultural weaving is visible across the UK, with vibrant displays in Leicester and classroom activities in Scotland. Murty emphasizes that despite shifting locations and weather, Diwali's message of light overcoming darkness persists. Ultimately, each Diwali rekindles a piece of her Bengaluru home, wherever she may be.