HUNDREDS of colourful saris fluttered in the wind and Indian music floated through the air as crowds gathered in Shoebury to celebrate the birthday of the Hindu faith's god of fortune.

Thousands of people gathered at East Beach on Saturday to mark the birthday of Lord Ganesha.

Hindus from all over the south east waited patiently for the tide to come in to allow a statue of Lord Ganesh to be put in the Thames estuary, to take him back home.

The event followed seven days of prayer at a temple in Hounslow, London, It is the third year the event has run and organiser Jay Gokani, said it was a much better turnout than they had expected.

He said: "We have had an amazing turn-out, and everyone has had a really nice time.

"There are a lot of people here of different nationalities, backgrounds and religions, who are really enjoying themselves.

"They have taken an interest and been asking questions.

"Even though this is an Indian event, we don't believe only Indians should enjoy it.

"Colour doesn't mean anything because we are all one and different religions are just different ways of doing the same thing.

"We should unite - especially in today's climate."

Guests sat in the warm sunshine enjoying delicious home-cooked Indian food, as they listened to the prayers and the music.

Southend mayor, Daphne White, became a celebrity as Indian television stations flocked to hear her views on the event.

She said: "It's very good, there are lots of people here from far and wide.

"Everyone is very hospitable and friendly."

David and Sarah Ellis, who live in Leigh, popped down to East Beach to fly their kite but were side-tracked by the festival.

Sarah said: "Everyone is so friendly, we were ushered in and given lovely food.

"We will have a good look round before we leave."

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