Holi celebrations - Samosa Lady style!

Late night passers-by in Mill Street, Ottery St Mary were amazed to see a group of adults throwing coloured paints at each other.

The paint throwing was part of a Holi celebration organised by Samosa Lady Deli and Dining.

Organiser Tina Chauhan-Challis, said: “I love introducing my customers in East Devon to the traditional celebrations of my heritage. Earlier this year we celebrated Diwali, the Indian New Year, and I wanted to bring the brightness of Holi to Ottery St Mary, too.”

Tina started the evening by serving up a four-course meal based around a variety of Gujarati recipes, with diners enjoying dishes such as mango lassi, lentil dahl and marinated mutton.

Afterwards, the diners piled out into the street to experience the tradition of being covered in colourful powder paints.

Holi is a welcoming of Spring marked in Northern India, and, where Diwali is the Festival of Lights, Holi is known as the Festival of Colours. In India, it is an inclusive festival that encourages people of all ages, gender or caste to let their hair down. All revellers take part by throwing powder paints and coloured water, all in great spirits.

The Holi merrymakers in Ottery St Mary joined in enthusiastically with the spirit of the occasion and were a colourful sight to see. They were also happy to learn that the powder paint easily washes out.

Tina opened Samosa Lady Deli and Dining towards the end of 2014 and, nearly 18 months on, the business continues to go from strength to strength, attracting the attention of visitors to the town as well as regular customers. Tina, who is well known for her appetising samosas, is a staunch supporter of local suppliers and seasonal food.

As well as ad hoc and regular supper clubs, the delicatessen and café is open weekly from Thursday to Saturday 9.30 to 4.30pm and 6pm on Friday, with light Indian snacks and chai tea available. www.samosaladyottery.co.uk