Queenstown residents (from left) Reshma Shetty, Shweta Naik, Jaya Shetty, Sapna Yadav and Paru Naik hold aarta, the first part of the process of worshipping the goddess Laxmi and the god Ganeshe, on Friday. Photo by James Beech.
Known as the five-day "festival of lights", the start of the new year, according to Indian mythology, was ushered in with a fun and festive social evening in St Peter's Parish Hall, which was decorated with lanterns, candles and symbolism.
Many of those present wore traditional Indian dress and the congregation worshipped, danced and played Bollywood music.
They enjoyed a buffet of traditional vegetarian cuisine, before heading to the lakefront for a fireworks display.
