A HAMPSHIRE town is to be turned into a sea of colour as a popular Hindu festival returns today.

Hiltingbury Recreation Ground in Chandler’s Ford will come to life with the sound of live music, dancing and drama as the Durga Puja starts.

The three-day event honours the goddess Durga, the mother of the universe, and her triumph over evil.

The festivities will start at 1pm with schoolchildren visiting the recreation ground and will carry on into the evening with Bollywood songs performed by artists Manasi Nayak, Bhabani Nayak and Manab Basu.

Celebrations will also take place on Saturday from 11am with hundreds of people expected to pray together and and enjoy a dance drama held by the Hampshire Puja and Cultural Association at 8pm. Meanwhile the Indian rock band Krosswindz and British musician Matt Fisher will perform on Sunday from 3pm.

Durga Puja is the biggest event on the calendar for the Hindu community and is organised by the Hampshire Puja and Cultural Association. Member Krishnan Kundu said: “We invite people across the communities to come and enjoy the celebrations. We are trying to cross boundaries and attract diverse communities.”

The event is free but tickets for the final concert on Sunday at 3pm cost £10 and include a three course meal.