PEOPLE across Swindon will gather to honour the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom next week.

The Swindon Puja Committee has organised the second annual Hindu festival on Tuesday to celebrate Saraswati Puja, an event devoted to the goddess Saraswati, at The Platform in Faringdon Road.

More than 200 people attended the event last year, which was the first of its kind held in the town and organisers are hoping for an even bigger turn out this year.

The festival’s cultural secretary, Sujan Saha, 33, of Commercial Road, said: “Last year, we were pleased that 200 people attended.

“We arranged the multicultural event ourselves, providing homemade sweets, food and drinks.

This year we are celebrating for the second time and I would like to invite Swindon people so that they can come and enjoy a different culture.

“The festival will start at 10am and we will pray to our goddess Saraswati at 11am.

“The committee has also organised a multicultural programme in the evening.”

The event begins with various prayers throughout the day, followed by a cultural programme from 5pm including sari-tying workshops and henna art.

Music Performances from bass player Phil Spalding, Giorgio Mollo, and local artist Adam Hodges, and others. Call for more details on 07946506747.