The University of Otago Indian Students’ Association staged a Garba night last Sunday at the Union Hall as part of the Navratri festival.
Association president Dhruv Khatri said Navratri meant "nine nights" and was a festival that honoured the goddess Durga.
"We have got food, we have got drinks and then everyone who attends will hopefully dance.
"Garba is like a religious dance we do during the Navratri festival.
"We dance in circles for hours basically and everyone gets involved."
Garba is particularly prominent in Gujarat, where it originated as a colourful social folk dance, although it is now celebrated throughout India.
The group organises several events throughout the year, including Holi, the festival of colours featuring music, dance and the throwing of coloured powders.
“That is one of our big events, it usually happens in about March.”
The organisation also presents an annual cultural showcase in mid-September.
“It is basically like a drama, so we have people acting, we have musicians, we have dancers and we do it over two nights.”
The association is marking its 20th anniversary of helping students find connection away from their homes.
It supports students balancing study with other challenges, from working to help pay bills to taking part in other activities such as clubs and societies.
The group has recently added a wellness officer to the committee.
“That is going to be a new role to help support the students.
“Not only the students but also the committee at the university.”
There was a growing need for this role due to the stress of being a student, Mr Khatri said.
