SWINDON’S Hindu community gathers today to celebrate the second biggest festival in their religious calendar.

Kali Puja, is when Bengalis along with Odia, Assamese and Maithul people across India and the world honour the goddess Kali.

Sujan Saha, the organiser of the event at the Punjabi Community Centre, said: “This is the second year we will celebrate the Maha Kali Puja in Swindon by our Sanatan Association. The blessings of Kali Ma reflected in the huge success of last year's Puja.”

He added: “This year we intend to add more re colour and feathers to it and let everyone feel Ma’s blessings even more.”

Holding the event locally means devotees do not have to make the journey to Birmingham or London to celebrate.

Mayor Maureen Penny is joining in the festivities, which include music, dancing and a feast of delicious food.

Hundreds of Hindus and people from other communities joined in last year’s celebration, which is held at the same time and many Indians and Bangladeshis celebrate Diwali and the goddess Lakshmi.

Kali is worshipped during the night with meditation and offerings like red hibiscus flowers, sweets, fruit and rice.

Traditionally shown with her tongue out, Kali is the goddess of creation, preservation and destruction.