Over the course of the weekend the festival attracted up to 60,000 people who came together to celebrate the birth of Krishna. The festival is the largest Janmashtami event in the world outside India.
The festival was an Indian spiritual and cultural extravaganza. Entertainment included cultural music and dances, drama, a children’s marquee, an array of stalls displaying art and literature and themed areas providing lifestyle tips.
Over 50,000 visitors also enjoyed a flowered walkway around the Manor’s lake and illuminated displays of Krishna’s pastimes as they queued to greet Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda, one of the temple’s deities, in the Manor’s beautifully decorated shrine.
Speaking at the event, Theresa said, “I really enjoyed my visit to Bhaktidaventi Manor’s Janmashtami festival. The event was clearly a great success and it was great that the sun came out for the festival.”
“It was great to meet so many people who had come to celebrate this important date in the Hindu calendar. Many congratulations must go the organisers for their efforts in making the festival such a success.”
“I am always made to feel very welcome when I visit the Manor and I really look forward to attending more events there in the future.”
Radha Mohan, a member of the organising team, added, “Janmashtami just seems to be getting better and better every year. The level of organisation is astounding and I am not surprised that Ajay Kumar, the Festival Committee Chairman, was invited to help organise the Olympics. It is also great to see so much support for this festival by politicians, including senior MPs.”