Eastleigh mayor Councillor Gillian Connell joined the borough's growing Asian community to celebrate the festival of Diwali - or festival of lights.
Music, dance and food formed the main ingredients for the event in the community hall of Eastleigh's Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church.
Guests were also told of the significance for Hindus and Seiks, who both celebrate the festival.
Hindus celebrate Diwali to commemorate the return of Lord Rama from exile while Seiks celebrate the release from an Indian jail of their sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, after being wrongfully imprisoned.
But both religions say the festival of lights - usually celebrated with lights and fireworks - is a happy occasion for them.
The Eastleigh Diwali celebrations were organised by the Elders Group of the Asian Welfare Cultural Association, which promotes cultural activities and active participation for Asians living in the borough.
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