Gathering celebrates Basant Panchami

Dunedin woman Richa Jain holds a chunni, or shawl, between her hands as she and friends mark Basant Panchami, a traditional Hindu festival that honours Saraswati, the goddess of music, language, knowledge and the arts, on Saturday.

About 35 people attended the Dunedin Sathi Association event at the Ocean Beach Scout Hall.

The association represents New Zealanders originally from the northern and eastern states of India.

Spokeswoman Priyanka Majumdar said Hindus celebrated Basant Panchami by studying, writing, making art and playing sports.

"There is no Hindu temple in Dunedin, so Sathi organises cultural events around major ethnic festivals for our community," she said.

Ms Majumdar said Basant Panchami also marked the beginning of the preparation for spring festivals, and yellow was the dominant colour.