Hundreds of women celebrated a Punjabi dance festival on Sunday.

The event which honours sisterhood, was hosted by Kent Saheli Group at Fort Gardens, Gravesend.

Teeyan is celebrated every year by Punjabi women during the month of monsoon, which falls in the months of June and July.

Festivities kicked off with a small ceremony explaining what Teeyan is and speeches by Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Gurdip Bungar, Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service followed.

The entertainment then began, featuring dance performances from Kent Saheli Group themselves, and various bhangra performers.

A spread of Indian cuisine, including samosas, savoury chaat snacks, and jalebis were on offer and the rest of the evening was then filled with cultural music by a DJ.

Originating in India, Teeyan was celebrated by girls, particularly those who had married and moved away from their families.

The festival would bring them together again at their parents' home, allowing them to reunite with friends and family.

Committee member of the group and dancer, Jai Upple said: “Girls wouldn’t be able to regularly visit their family, as modes of transportation weren't vastly available or were too expensive.

“Presently though, circumstances have changed and it’s now a time for women to visit family, dress up in their finery and enjoy themselves.”

Though it is an Indian event, the celebrations were inclusive of women and girls of all different ages, cultures, and backgrounds to promote diversity and cohesive unity.

Teeyan is hosted annually in Gravesend by Asian female charity, Kent Saheli Group.

Members participate in various activities together from dance to yoga.

“We normally have about two or three events across the year where we promote our culture and dancing,” said Jai.

Teeyan is one of the group’s biggest events, and for the past two years, have sold out tickets in Gravesend.

Preparations for the year’s festivities began in April with the practice of various folk dance and music classes were held each week.

The group will also be hosting a Teeyan Dartford Festival at Dartford Open Air Theatre on September 3.

The ticketed event will take place from 12pm to 5pm and is open to ladies only.

“We’re looking to generate interest on that because this is the first time that we’ve done anything in the Dartford area,” said Jai.

Anyone who wishes to attend can purchase tickets for £5 each by calling 07870 355087