A CHURCH in Haworth hosted a colourful demonstration of traditional Indian dance.

West Lane Baptist Church was visited by performers from Annapurna Indian Dance Company, which is based in Halifax.

They were there as part of the church’s “Holiday at Home” event. This has been running annually for 12 years and gives people a chance to experience the culture of a different country without even leaving the Worth Valley.

Reverend Chris Upton said: “We did Japan last year, and we’ve also done quite a few countries around Europe as well as an African safari. So this year we had a whole day of celebrating the food, music and art of India.

“We had about 50 ‘vacationers’ including people in saris, Mehndi painting, lamb biryani, chapati making and pakora demonstrations.

“Annapurna Indian Dance Company came in the afternoon and got us up and dancing with them.”

He added the evening featured more food, along with singing by Stanbury resident James Hutton.

Rev Upton said: “The event was the first time we were able to use our church’s new kitchen. We were pleased to christen a facility that our community has helped raised funds for.”

He thanked everyone who contributed including cooks Tim Rushworth and Johnnie Briggs, as well as local businesses such as The Fleece, Cobbles and Clay and Mrs Beightons Sweet Shop.

Dance group artistic director Shantha Rao said: “It’s our vision to bring communities together through our dance.

“It was a very special event for us in Haworth. We were proud to share our traditional dances and stories with the attentive audience gathered for their Indian project.

“They were fascinated by the intricate Indian dance hand gestures used for storytelling and the rhythmic foot work.

“It was also a golden opportunity for us to share the story of the sacrifice made by Indian soldiers from undivided India during the First World War in support of the British Empire.

“We invited members of the audience to join us in a vibrant folk dance, in celebration of the historic, positive relationship between people of the Indian Subcontinent and Britain.”

Charu Asthana, one of the lead dancers, said: “Thanks to the hosts and organisers for making us feel so welcomed and honoured.

“It was so encouraging when we were thanked for our role in bringing communities together.”