SOUTHAMPTON'S Hindu community gathered for a colourful night of music and dancing as they celebrated the festival of Sharad Purnima.

Hundreds of Hindus from the region converged on Northam's Vedic Society Hindu temple for the harvest celebration.

Dedicated to Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity, Sharad Purnima is a night when she is said to visit all homes to bring fortune and good luck.

The festival at the Radcliffe Road temple saw Hindus enjoy traditional saffron-flavoured milk and rice.

But it was also a colourful spectacle.

Musicians were flown over from India to provide an authentic folk music soundtrack for the night.

The event started with prayers before women dressed entirely in white performed folk dances from the Gujarat region of India. There was also a raffle, with prizes like a TV and a DVD player, in aid of temple funds.

Vice-chairman of the Vedic Society Naresh Sonchatla said: "It is a very popular festival.

"There is plenty of traditional dancing, especially from the women.

"It is all about happiness."

The festival is sandwiched between two other significant days in the Hindu calendar.

Sharad Purnima comes shortly after the highly religious nine-day festival of Navratra.

Hot on the heels of Sharad Purnima comes the biggest date in the Hindu year - the even more colourful festival of Diwali.