colchesterindians

Curry Nights
2025-11-01
Curry Nights are heartfelt annual fundraising events organised to support the RNLI Lifeboat Station in Clacton. Hosted in local restaurants or community halls, these evenings bring people together over delicious Indian cuisine for a meaningful cause. Supported by the local and wider communities, the event blends food, friendship, and generosity—showcasing the power of community spirit and shared purpose.

Annakut – Govardhan Puja
2025-10-25 | Great Horkesley, Colchester, CO6 4EA, United Kingdom
Annakut is a cherished Hindu festival celebrated on the first lunar day of Kartika’s bright fortnight, coinciding with the fourth day of Diwali. On this special occasion, devotees come together to prepare an abundant and colorful variety of dishes, offered with deep gratitude and devotion to the Almighty. This grand offering symbolizes thankfulness for blessings received and reflects the joyous spirit of sharing and community. Annakut beautifully embodies faith, abundance, and the celebration of life’s prosperity, bringing hearts closer in unity and reverence.

Independence Day Celebration
2025-10-01 08:00 - 2025-10-20 17:00 UTC
Independence Day, celebrated every year on 15th August, marks a proud moment in India’s history—commemorating the nation’s freedom from British rule in 1947. For the Colchester India Association, it is a day of deep significance and heartfelt celebration.
Community members gather to honour this historic occasion with a flag-raising ceremony, the singing of the Indian national anthem, and cultural performances that reflect the spirit, resilience, and unity of India. In 2025, this special day will also host our Annual General Meeting (AGM)—a moment to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and shape the future together.
More than just a patriotic observance, this event is a beautiful reminder of our roots, values, and the strength we find in community—bringing together generations, cultures, and hearts in Britain’s First City.

If you need to join this event

Navratri — A Celebration of Dance, Devotion, and Divine Power
2025-09-26 08:00 - 2025-09-30 17:00 | Littlegarth School, Colchester, CO6 4JR, United Kingdom
Navratri, also known as Durga Puja, is one of the flagship festivals of the Colchester India Association, celebrated with great devotion and joy over nine nights. This vibrant festival honors the divine power of Goddess Durga and commemorates her victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Attended by diverse communities and embraced by all ages, Navratri is a joyous occasion where participants don traditional Garba attire, bring Prashad offerings, and perform Aarti each evening. At the same time, Bengali communities celebrate Durga Puja with equally profound devotion, marking the same powerful and festive period.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Navratri is a cultural celebration that strengthens community bonds, preserves age-old traditions, and fills the air with music, dance, and festive energy.

Rice & Spice Festival
2025-09-06 | Lewis Gardens, Firstsite, Colchester, CO1 1JH, United Kingdom
These annual cultural events are organised by the Multi Ethnic Forum (MEF), celebrating diversity through food, music, and community spirit. Senior members of the Colchester India Association proudly offer their time and experience as volunteers, helping bring the festival to life. CIA committee members and dedicated volunteers also run a vibrant stall at the event to raise funds for charitable and community initiatives, showcasing our continued commitment to unity, culture, and giving back.

The Carrom Club
2025-08-01 08:00 - 17:00
The Carrom Club is a vibrant and inclusive gathering at the Community360 Hub, dedicated to celebrating one of India’s most beloved indoor board games. It’s especially valuable for Indian university students who are new to Colchester, giving them an opportunity to enjoy a familiar game, meet new people, and feel a little
closer to home.
While celebrating tradition, the club also welcomes locals to learn and engage creating a unique cultural exchange where skills are shared, friendships are formed, and community grows across generations and backgrounds.

Wednesday Seniors Club
2025-08-01 08:00 - 17:00
The Wednesday Seniors Club is a warm and inclusive space designed to support older adults, single parents, those seeking companionship, and short-term visitors to Colchester. Hosted at the Community360 Hub, the gatherings aim to ease feelings of isolation and create a sense of belonging.
People from different backgrounds and countries come together to share homemade food, stories, laughter, and cultural traditions. It’s a heartwarming initiative that brings generations and communities closer—celebrating connection, understanding, and the simple joy of being together

Colchester Carnival
2025-08-01 08:00 - 17:00
The Colchester Carnival is a vibrant celebration of cultures, where communities from across the city and beyond come together to share their identity with pride. For the Colchester India Association, it’s a joyful opportunity to showcase the rich colours, rhythms, and spirit of Indian heritage.
We take part in the grand procession dressed in traditional attire, dancing to the beats of desi music, waving our flags, and sharing the joy of our culture with thousands of spectators. It’s a chance for the wider community to witness and celebrate our Indian presence in Britain’s First City.
Alongside the parade, Castle Park comes alive with cultural stalls, international cuisine, music, and entertainment from around the world. The carnival not only strengthens community ties but also gives us a proud platform to raise our profile and celebrate unity in diversity.

Hanuman Janmotsav
2025-07-30 08:00 - 17:00
Hanuman Jayanti, also known as Hanuman Janmotsav, honors the birth of Lord Hanuman—an icon of strength, courage, and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. On this special day, the community comes together to recite the 108 Hanuman Chalisa—a powerful devotional hymn praising Hanuman’s heroic deeds and divine qualities. This sacred ritual fills the atmosphere with faith and energy, inspiring all to embrace courage, humility, and selfless service.

Summer Party
2024-06-01 00:00 - 23:59
Everyone is warmly invited—members of the Indian and wider South Asian community, British locals, friends, and families alike. Our annual summer party is a joyful celebration where children enjoy games, and adults unwind with delicious food, drinks, and lively conversation. Attendees come together to enjoy vibrant Bollywood music, authentic Indian cuisine, and dancing, creating a festive atmosphere that unites people from all backgrounds in friendship and fun.

Rama Navmi
2022-03-31 08:00 - 2024-02-03 17:00
Rama Navami is a revered Hindu festival that joyfully marks the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and a symbol of righteousness, courage, and unwavering devotion. According to ancient scriptures, Rama’s birth brought hope and light to the world during a time of darkness and injustice. His life and teachings inspire millions to uphold truth, compassion, and duty.
The festival is celebrated with soulful Bhajans and Kirtans that fill the air with devotion and joy, bringing the community together in prayer and reflection. Rama Navami is not only a celebration of a divine birth but also a reminder to walk the path of virtue and courage in our own lives.
