Town enjoys 'pure celebration' of Indian culture

Indian dancers in two lines, in long, green dresses dancing on the comedy carpet in Blackpool, holding sticks above their heads.Image source, Caroline James Photography
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The event featured traditional and modern dance performances, food and art

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Hundreds of people braved the rain in Blackpool to cheer on drummers and dancers in what organisers have said was a "scene of pure celebration".

Blackpool welcomed performers from the Indian Cultural Festival on the Comedy Carpet in front of Blackpool Tower on Sunday, celebrating the cultures of the states of Gujarat and Punjab

The event, organised by the Fylde Coast Hindu Society, featured traditional and modern dance performances, henna art, music, food and art.

Society chairman Chirag Khajuria said it was a "truly special" day, despite the rain throughout.

Three young female Indian dancers dancing on the comedy carpet in Blackpool, with their right arms raised and people watching in the background in front of three white marquees.Image source, Caroline James Photography
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Hundreds of people attended the festival despite the rain

He said a special highlight of the day was a dynamic performance by the Bollywood Dance Group of the Fylde Coast Hindu Society, whose colourful costumes "brought Bollywood glamour to Blackpool".

"We look forward to growing this into an International Cultural Festival welcoming all communities," he said.

Two upturned hands resting on a grey towel with elaborate floral designs in Henna
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There were also Henna artists at the festival

There were also Henna artists and people learned to write their names in Gujarati and Punjabi.

Established 25 years ago, the society became a charity in 2016, with a membership of over 75 families.

They also attend local cultural events and participate in school religious studies classes.

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