Youngsters at Orchid Vale Primary School learned about Holi – the Hindu festival of colours – during a special religious education ‘close encounter’ day.

About 270 children, aged from three to 11, dressed in bright colours or traditional costumes and experienced cultural activities, including Indian dancing, food and crafts as part of the special event.

RE co-ordinator Emma McCarthy said: “We have got a small number of Hindu pupils in the school and we just wanted the children to learn about their religion and about the festival, because the festival is coming up very soon.

“The children have absolutely loved it. They had lots and lots of questions – some very funny questions and some very serious questions, and I think they just got into the whole spirit of it.”

Holi, which takes place at the beginning of spring, has an ancient origin and celebrates new life and the triumph of good over evil.

Two Hindus – Dinesh Patel and Sagar Shah – visited Orchid Vale to speak to the children about the festival, its meaning and how it is celebrated.

Dancer Dorothy Clarke demonstrated Indian dance and explained the significance of the festival through storytelling.

Dance teacher Sarah Josh explained finger dancing and some of the children tried on the finger jewellery and had a go.

Pupils enjoyed craft activities based upon the theme of the festival, including splatter painting and drawing bonfire pictures.

Artist Becky Veall explained the history of henna and drew henna designs on some of the children and teachers.

Indian snacks were distributed around the school and the children had the option of an Indian meal at lunchtime.