Tens of thousands of people from all over the UK visited Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple in Watford on Thursday 25th August and Sunday 28th August 2016 for the largest and more spectacular festival outside of India to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.
Bhaktivedanta Manor’s picturesque and peaceful grounds transformed into a vibrant festival brought to life with the sound of music prepared with the help of 2,000 volunteers aged 16-90 years.
Srutidharma Das, Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor: “Janmashtami is the biggest festival for Hindus in the year, as we celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna. The festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor is the biggest outside of India, so it promises to be a spectacular event for everyone who attends.”
The festival showcased an array of interactive multimedia displays, traditional dance performances, thought-proving dramas, and an opportunity to try the serene art of Japa meditation as well as discover the philosophy. A delicious selection of free vegetarian food was also available in abundance throughout the day.
Visitors explored the collections of bazaars selling books; CDs, hand-made jewellery and fresh organic produce from the Manor’s very own farm. Children enjoyed the magic of Krishnaland offering children’s plays, face painting, games and henna art.
Visitorswere allowed to walk through the recreation of the beautiful forests of Vrindavan where Krishna played as a young boy, on the way to the stunning deity altar. Visitors were also able to see future plans for the Manor, including buildings the Shree Krishna Haveli - a new building extension project.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which was founded in New York by A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in 1966.
Fifty-two events have been organised throughout the UK in order to honour and celebrate this significant year with the festival of Janmashtami being the highlight of the year.
