A MULTI-cultural fundraising extravaganza took place at the Swindon Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre to raise cash for a charity that helps amputees in India.

The event was a joint enterprise between the Hindu Temple and the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix.

Festivities kicked off at 4pm on Sunday and guests were treated to an evening of singing, dancing and feasting all in support of the Rotary Jaipur Limb Project.

David Seed, chairman of the Limb Project, said: “It’s fantastic to be invited along today to take part in this fundraiser.

“To see all these people coming out to support the charity is wonderful.”

Organisers were expecting around 150 people to attend the event and were hoping for a substantial sum to be raised for the charity.

Traditional Indian dancers entertained the crowds while pianists and singers hit the high notes.

Guests were then treated to a three course Indian meal and the women received beautiful Henna tattoos.

Mayor Eric Shaw was invited along and a special talk was given by Royal Marine Ben McBean, a double amputee and big supporter of the Jaipur Limb Project, who spoke of the need to provide artificial limbs to some of the world’s poorest people.

Pradeep Bhardwaj, chairman of the temple, said: “This charity does some amazing work with artificial limbs in India and we want them to know that we fully support them.

“As a religious and cultural community, these events are very important to us. I always say that the hands that help are holier than the lips that pray, and that is the biggest and most important principle for us.”

The Rotary Jaipur Limb Project is a charity that gives artificial limbs to amputees in India, most of whom are often the poorest in society.

Since 1990, the charity has sponsored a number of limp camps and has established permanent centres, not just in India, but throughout the Third World.

Many poor have limbs amputated due to accidents, war or diseases such as leprosy or polio.

David said: “We think we have reached around half a million people in India so far, which is very positive.”

Speaking of the need to provide people with artificial limbs, David said: “It gives them a renewed sense of independence better mobility and a sense of being given a new life.

“I would like to thank everyone for coming down today to support us and I hope everyone enjoys the entertainment and has a really good time.”