THOUSANDS of devotees are expected to gather in a London suburb to celebrate Janmashtami festival, the birth of Lord Krishna, this weekend (August 10-12).
Every year the Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford attracts hordes of followers who mark the festival with gaiety and fervour.
Thousands of children are expected to dress up like Lord Krishna by painting their faces blue, carrying flutes and wearing peacock feathers in their hair.
One of the festival highlights is a flowered walkway through the spiritual gardens and woodland of the manor, telling the story of Lord Krishna.
The festival will be managed and run by 1,500 volunteers from the community who gather every evening after work for a month prior to the event.
Free vegetarian meals will be offered to all those who attend the festival at the temple.
“It is an ancient tradition to serve food to all who come to Bhaktivedanta Manor,” said Ajay Kumar, the festival coordinator.
“We hope that the efforts of 1,500 volunteers will make everyone’s visit memorable.”
