Students feel 'connected' after Indian culture day

Students were able to have henna tattoos painted onto them

Music and dance workshops, sari tying and henna tattoos have all formed part of two days introducing students to Hindu culture.

Students and staff at New College Swindon have also had the opportunity to attend talks about the history of Hindu culture at the two-day event organised by the Swindon Hindu Samaj.

The college has put on the event to broaden the students' awareness of different cultures.

Siddharth Patel, chair of Swindon's Hindu Samaj, said they had "underestimated" the interest in the event, adding that it had been "great to see" people getting involved.

The first day took place at the college's Queens Drive Campus on Tuesday, and is due to continue Wednesday at the North Star Campus.

All week the canteen will serve traditional Indian food.

The event will take place over two days

Sushma Patel, vice chair of the Hindu charity organisation, which has operated in Swindon for 51 years, told the BBC: "We live in a diverse society and it's nice for everyone to know what part of our culture is.

"Everybody looks to be really enjoying themselves because they're getting an insight into something different.

She said henna sessions at the event had proven "so popular" they ran out of supplies and had to go out for more.

"It's given us an opportunity to engage with them as well, which is brilliant," she said.

Sushma Patel said they "underestimated" the interest

Miya says she feels "connected" by the cultural event

Student Miya said: "I'm from China, it's kind of a close country [to India].

"I can understand what their culture means to them compared to what mine means to me."

She said she felt "connected" by the event.

Matt Butcher, vice principal of the college, said the display "really makes you smile".

"I'm really happy. I'm pleased to see the queue of students engaging.

"I'm sure I will see henna tattoos throughout college for the next couple of weeks.

Siddharth Patel said: "To be invited is an extreme pleasure.

"People are aware of Indian culture, they've seen outfits everywhere. But they don't really quite understand the details of it.

"Today is an opportunity to share that information."

The college said it will follow up the event with Polish and Goan days.