The forthcoming Janmastami: Krishna Festival (one of the most important festivals in the Hindu Calendar) is the largest of its kind outside India and is set to not only be one of the most colourful but the primary colour this year is green. Over the two days - Thursday 2nd September & Sunday 5th September - organisers are expecting over 60,000 people at Bhaktivedanta Manor near Watford, Hertfordshire. The Manor was donated to ISKCON by the Beatle, George Harrison.

There will be a colourful taste of mystic India with live stage shows, costumes, enchanting music, meditation and exotic food set in a picturesque setting with a lake and an ancient forest. Bhaktivedanta Manor is one of the largest Temples in Europe and preparations for Janmashtami will be supported by over 1,000 volunteers.

The manor will be showcasing its new farm based on compassionate farming and cow protection. The oak timber of the buildings is sourced from managed forests and solar energy will heat the barns and provide lighting. Unsurprisingly, the theme for Janmashtami this year is the symbiotic relationship that exists between man, cows and the environment.

Krishna Janmastami festival will be celebrated on Thursday 2nd September and Sunday 5th September 2010, from 12 noon until midnight. Eager pilgrims stay up to have a glimpse of the radiant form of Lord Krishna at the midnight Aarti (prayer).