Bhaktivedanta Manor Krishna Temple in Watford hosted a two-day bank holiday extravaganza to celebrate one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar.
On August 25 and 26, the manor welcomed thousands of guests to mark Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna. This year’s theme centred around the ancient text, The Mahabharata, which was depicted through large artistic installations scattered around the temple’s grounds.
The vibrant celebration marks both the birth of Lord Krishna and the triumph of good over evil. The ancient scriptures tell of how Lord Krishna’s birth heralded the end of the tyrannical rule of King Kamsa and the beginning of a new era of righteousness and duty (‘dharma’).
Among the new additions to the temple’s attractions was a striking 30-foot reclining Krishna sculpture in the centre of the lake, surrounded by fountains and a newly created boathouse for artists.
The festival also included interactive displays, such as a tent modelled after I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! which featured life-size figures of Will Smith and Julia Roberts.
Youth group Pandava Sena captivated audiences with a play based on The Lord of the Flies, with every performance sold out over the two days.
Her Grace Vishaka Devi Dasi, Temple President at Bhaktivedanta Manor, said: “This year’s two-day Janmashtami festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor was splendid. The festival was exceptionally well organised, the weather was ideal, the spirit amongst the attendees was joyous and spiritually uplifting, the volunteers collaborated well, the Deities were stunningly beautiful, and the devotees used great creativity in their presentations.”
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