Tens of thousands of devotees gathered at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford over the weekend for the annual Sri Krishna Janmashtami festival, one of the most important dates in the Hindu calendar.
The celebrations began on Saturday (16) and continued throughout Sunday (17) , with organisers estimating that more than 50,000 visitors attended across the two days. The programme included darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Gokulananda, devotional singing, thought-provoking dramas, dance performances, exhibitions, and talks. Visitors also enjoyed a vibrant festival bazaar, a food court offering Indian delicacies, children’s activities, and free vegetarian meals (prasadam) served throughout the day.
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
At the New Gokul Farm, devotees had the chance to feed and worship cows and oxen, while young people engaged with the Pandava Sena youth group. The popular Radharani Café served freshly prepared dishes, and the Farm Shop offered organic produce grown on site. Special shuttle bus and park-and-ride services ensured smooth access for visitors from Stanmore and Harrow & Wealdstone stations.
Saturday’s celebrations were briefly disrupted when an administrative error led to more tickets being released than the temple site could safely accommodate. This forced organisers to cancel entry between 3pm and 4pm and caused traffic congestion in the area.
In a statement, the temple apologised for the “serious and regrettable mistake” and assured devotees that stronger safeguards are being introduced to prevent a repeat.
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
Temple President Her Grace Visakha Dasi reflected that “Janmashtami 2025 at Bhaktivedanta Manor was unique. Alongside devotional exhibits, powerful dramas, insightful talks, and delicious prasadam, we also got an unexpected glimpse of how extraordinarily popular the Manor is. Due to an administrative error, too many free tickets were released, which led to traffic jams. We won’t let that happen again, but it showed us that we may need more days to allow eager pilgrims to celebrate Janmashtami with us.”
The festival was supported by more than 1,000 volunteers, who dedicated countless hours to ensure the event’s success. Despite Saturday’s disruption, Sunday’s programme ran smoothly and was described by many attendees as “an atmosphere saturated with bhakti and optimism.”
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
Distinguished guests included the Indian High Commissioner Mr. Vikram Doraiswamy and the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire, Andy Prophet, who joined devotees in marking the occasion.
Bhaktivedanta Manor, donated by Beatles star George Harrison in 1973, is now one of Europe’s most significant Hindu temples, attracting worshippers from across the UK and beyond.
London. A five-day Shiv Katha has begun at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre to honour the victims of the tragic Air India crash, with prayers offered for their eternal peace. The programme, running from 18 to 22 August, is being led by HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji with recitations by PP Shri Jogi Dada, and attended by devotees and dignitaries from India and abroad.
Opening the Katha, Shri Jogi Dada called it both a spiritual gathering and a heartfelt tribute to the passengers of the Ahmedabad–London flight. “Mahadev’s darshan equals a pilgrimage. It is inspiring to see the younger generation engaging in bhakti, which is vital for preserving our heritage."
Guruji spoke on the eternal energy of Shiv Shakti and chetna (consciousness). “Shiva is not just a deity but the ultimate consciousness. Through Shiv Katha we awaken inner energy and spread vibrations of peace across the world. May the departed souls attain eternal peace, and may their memories guide us towards compassion and unity,” he said.
The inaugural day saw the presence of Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj, Shri Maheshbhai Bhatt, Dhruvbhai Bhatt and Rajendrabhai Thakkar. The evening concluded with Aarti and a sacred Rudrabhishek, performed in memory of the crash victims.
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The birth of Lord Krishna was celebrated on 16 August 2025 at Siddhashram Dham. The Janmashtami festivities brought together hundreds of devotees who immersed themselves in bhajans, dances, and spiritual discourses from early morning until well past midnight.
The evening programme began at 8 pm, with devotional songs and cultural performances filling the ashram with joy and reverence. In his address, His Holiness Rajrajeshwar Guruji underlined the enduring relevance of Krishna’s life and teachings. “Krishna symbolises the triumph of dharma over adharma, truth over illusion, and love over hatred. Human life is a divine chance to practise compassion, service, and good karma,” he told the gathering.
As the clock struck midnight, marking Krishna’s birth, the temple resounded with chants of “Nand Gher Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki!” A touching highlight followed when Guruji performed a symbolic ritual with a child dressed as Baby Krishna, evoking the innocence and divinity of the Lord.
The Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (SKSST) – East London will mark its annual Patotsav – Manthan Mahotsav with a special evening of devotional activities, cultural events, and community spirit on Friday (15).
Members of the Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Parivar UK (SSGP-UK) have confirmed they will attend to show their support and join in the festivities. The programme will begin at 5:30 pm at Swaminarayan Sports World, Blake Hall Road, Wanstead, London E11 2QW. Attendees will be treated to a communal dinner before the India Independence Day celebrations commence at 7:00 pm.
Organisers say the evening will combine traditional religious observances with patriotic pride, offering an opportunity for devotees and the wider community to come together in a spirit of unity and joy. The event is open to all, and guests are encouraged to bring friends and family to share in the celebrations.
Free on-site parking will be available, making it easier for visitors from across London to attend. The organisers look forward to welcoming everyone to what promises to be a memorable and uplifting occasion.
The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow was enveloped in spiritual fervour on Saturday, 2 August 2025, as devotees gathered for an intense and uplifting day of worship. The highlight was the collective chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa 108 times, led by His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The serene yet charged atmosphere witnessed devotees immersing themselves in this sacred recitation, aimed at invoking Lord Hanuman’s blessings and channelling divine energy for peace and strength. HH Guruji spoke about the importance of such practices in daily life, calling Hanuman Chalisa a bridge between the soul and the divine, especially when recited with intention and focus.
The spiritual momentum continued with a special satsang on “Ghar Ghar Ram, Har Ghar Ramayan”, delivered by Swami Mahendra Das Ji Maharaj of Ayodhya Dham, joined by Sant Jentiram Bapa from Jamnagar. Swami Ji praised Guruji as a guiding light of Sanatan Dharma abroad and beautifully explained the divine relationship between Lord Ram and Hanuman Ji, reminding all that true devotion lies in humility and unconditional love.
Cllr Krishna Suresh, Cllr Sasi Suresh, and Cllr Parveen Rani attended the event, along with devotees from across the UK and India.
The day concluded with aarti and the distribution of sacred Tulsi Malas, specially energised and brought from Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, by Swami Mahendra Das Ji—offered as a spiritual blessing to all present.
Siddhashram in London witnessed a profound spiritual surge as hundreds of devotees marked the first Monday of Shravan, which is the sacred month dedicated to Lord Shiva, with unwavering faith and devotion.
The temple gates opened at 6:00 am, and from dawn till dusk, streams of worshippers offered jal abhishek, prayers, and silent meditation. The evening’s Bhajan Sandhya emerged as the day's spiritual pinnacle, led by His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, accompanied by Saint Jentiram Bapa from Jamnagar, India. The resonant chants of Om Namah Shivay and traditional bhajans enveloped the temple, creating a divine ambience.
In his address, Guruji reflected on the inner meaning of Shravan, urging devotees to view rituals as doorways to introspection and spiritual elevation.
“Temples bring us closer not just to God, but to ourselves. Bhajans and mantras cleanse the mind and awaken the soul,” he said.
Guruji spoke about the Samudra Manthan legend, where Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the cosmos, becoming Neelkanth. “Offering milk and water is symbolic,” he explained. “Milk represents the moon, while water signifies the sacred Ganga flowing from Shiva’s locks, both gestures of love and reverence.”
He also traced the origin of Shravan to the Shravana Nakshatra, associated with Lord Vishnu and the act of divine listening. The month, he added, is ideal for chanting, satsang, and spiritual practices.
Concluding the evening, Guruji left devotees with a simple but profound message:
“True peace lies in selfless service. When we serve others with love, we serve God Himself.”
Upcoming Events at Siddhashram:
To continue the spiritual fervour of Shravan, Siddhashram has planned a series of devotional events:
Saturday, 2 August: 108 Hanuman Chalisa Path (from 10 AM), followed by a satsang by Swami Mahendra Das Ji Maharaj (Ayodhya Dham – Ghar Ghar Ram, Har Ghar Ramayan).
Monday, 4 August: Shravan Bhajan Sandhya with Guruji.
Thursday, 15 August: Flag Hoisting Ceremony to celebrate Indian Independence Day.
15–17 August: Shivyog Workshop with Ishan Shivanand at Harrow Leisure Centre.