THOUSANDS of Hindus across Hampshire have been celebrating one of their most colourful and energetic festivals this week.

The festival of Navratri, meaning nine nights, is being celebrated by Gujarati Hindus both at home and at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Southampton.

More than 500 men, women and children, gathered at the Radcliffe Road temple this weekend to take part in traditional folk dances as they marked the triumph of good over evil and made offerings to goddess Amba.

Avinash Patel, a trustee for the temple, said: "Navratri is a time when people come together to take part in the festival and make offerings to the goddess Amba.

"The tradition started in the state of Gujarat in India and it is celebrated by Gujarati Hindus all over the world. We have always celebrated Navratri here at the temple as it is a chance for people to wear colourful traditional clothing and meet up with friends and family.

"People who work away from home will also come back to take part in the festivities which is not only for the Hindu communities but it is open to everyone from any community."

Over the next nine nights Hindus will fast, pray and sing traditional devotional songs and visit their local temple or community hall to take part in folk dancing called garba and dandiya raas.

Anisha Majithia, 20, from West End, came back to Southampton from her university in Kingston to take part in the festival.

She said: "I have been coming to the festival at the Hindu temple for as long as I can remember. It's nice to see people again and it makes me feel part of the community. I have come here especially for it and I love it."

Navratri celebrations will take place every night at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple from 7.30pm to 10.30pm until Sunday, October 1. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.