Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Fire breaks out at Hare Krishna Temple

By Sadhana Karia

Firefighters were called out today (21) to contain a blaze at at the Hare Krishna Temple at the Bhaktivedanta Manor in the village of Aldenham, near Watford. 


Several bales of hay were well alight at the Goshala barn. The fire is believed to have begun at around 1 pm and firefighters arrived within ten minutes and managed to contain the fire. 

There were no injuries and all animals at the site were safe. 

The temple has confirmed that it will be closed until further notice and has apologised for any inconvenience caused. 

Managing director at Bhakdivedanta Manor, Gauri Das, said at least four fire engines were called to the scene and everyone was evacuated from the area. 

Mr Das said: "Everywhere is clear fortunately but a lot of hay is on fire. Crews have got water hoses out to try and put the fire out. It's a beautiful barn which thousands of Hindus come to visit." 

Guests reacted quickly to make sure any gas bottles or flammable items were kept away from the fire before they were forced to get away from the site by the emergency services. 

Police and paramedics were also present and some people were checked for smoke inhalation. 

The property was donated to the Hare Krishna movement in February 1973 by Beatles icon George Harrison, after the Radha Krishna Temple in central London had become inadequate to house the growing number of devotees. 

Harrison's donation included 17 acres of land, following which the estate was extended through the acquisition of neighbouring properties. Harrison had a close relationship with International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and visited him at the Manor on several occasions.

More For You

Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

Wes Streeting addresses the Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28),joined by Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Vikram Doraiswami

Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

WES STREETING spoke of the priority prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government attach to relations with India when he addressed a Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28).

But the secretary of state for health and social care won over the large Indian crowd by paying an unexpected tribute to Rishi Sunak.

Keep ReadingShow less