By IANS
London : More than 65,000 people, including many from the Indian-dominated London borough of Harrow, celebrated Janmashtami at the Bhaktivedanta Manor here this week.
The Bhaktivedanta Manor was owned by former Beatle George Harrison. Apart from London, the event was celebrated in several places in Britain, such as Leicester, Manchester and Birmingham.
This year the event featured live stage shows, colourful Indian costumes, music, multi-media shows, exhibitions, a bazaar, meditation, traditional dancing and exotic food. It was attended by Tony McNulty, MP for Harrow East, and Councillor Jean Lammiman, Mayor of Harrow.
Gauri Dasa, president of Bhaktivedanta Manor, said: “The highlight this year was a flowered walkway through the spiritual gardens and woodland around the lake. Festival goers learned about the life and pastimes of Lord Krishna.
“It is the attitude of service and friendship that makes this festival so unique. It was a day for prayer, meditation, service, charity and penance.”
Lammiman said: “There were absolutely masses of people, the crowds were enormous.
There were lots of stalls and areas around the temple and there was an enchanted forest, which I found very enchanting.
“The atmosphere was very buzzy, and there were a significant amount of people from Harrow, which was good to see. It’s a significant festival for Harrow people, given the number of Hindu people who live in Harrow – the largest Hindu community in the country.
“There were lots of young people and my focus this year is on young people, so it was nice to speak to somany of them and get their support.”