MORE than 450 people came together to celebrate a special Indian holiday to mark the beginning of spring.
Kinson Community Centre became a cultural and colourful event space over the weekend as the Indian community celebrated Baisakhi, an agricultural festival which celebrates happiness and prosperity.
The event saw many vibrant performances from the local community through dance and arts, followed by an Indian banquet.
Mayor of Bournemouth councillor Anne Filer attended to greet the community.
She said: “It's a real pleasure for me to be here again amongst the Indian community and especially to celebrate a spring festival like this. It's a wonderful day.
“And I wish you all well. I finish being mayor in just a few weeks and one of my big pleasures has been to meet the Indian community and to realise how much you do for the community.
“I wish you a very happy day, this is an amazing celebration.”
Dorset Police Crime Commissioner David Sidwick also attended the event.
He said: “Thank you very much indeed for inviting me.
“I am absolutely blown away by this.
“My job as a police and crime commissioner is to work for you, the people. It's to keep us all safe and it’s very clear that we have a wonderful county.
“But the wonders in the people, all the people who live here. It's an absolute pleasure to be here with the Indian community today.
“And I'm looking forward to the food, too.”
Chitra, one of the performers said: “I think it's great support from everybody, there’s over 450 people here.
“It lifts everyone's spirit to see that everyone is getting involved with diverse communities.
“We are trying to make sure that everyone is aware of what we do so that we can spread happiness that reaches the masses.
“We’re like a big family.”
When asked what his favourite part of Baskai is, Giresh, another performer, added: “I'll say everything because it's all about energy, togetherness, happiness.
“All of that combined together to make one big show is great to see.
“It's togetherness, making sure that everyone is treated equally, everyone is happy and shares the joy."
Baisakhi was celebrated at the Kinson Community Centre on April 13.
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