Thousands of worshippers from across the country flocked to Aldenham at the weekend to celebrate the Hindu festival of Janmashtami.

Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Hilfield Lane saw around 65,000 people, including the mayors of Hertsmere and Elstree and Borehamwood, gather to celebrate the birthday of the Hindu god Krishna.

The event, which took place on Sunday and Monday, is the largest gathering of worshippers for a Hindu festival outside India.

An array of stalls were on display showing art, literature, food and drink, with stages set around the grounds to entertain visitors with music, dance and theatre.

Radha Mohan Das, spokesman for the temple, said: “It was one of the best Janmashtami celebrations ever. The atmosphere was unbelievable. The standard of entertainment was also really good. The turnout was immense and it was a pleasure to be a part of it.

”The 1,300 volunteers are all exhausted but are still reeling from the wonderful event.”

The theme of this year's festival was “food for the body and spirit” with a large tent in the main grounds serving hot free meals and a large white tent for the “Veggie Steady Cook” exhibits.

As well as all the activities on offer for families the main element of the day was the celebration of the birth of Krishna and, on Bank Holiday Monday, the birthday of the founder of the Hare Krishna movement A.C Bhaktivedanta.

A line of people snaked around the site, queueing to enter the temple room where they could visit the holy deities and receive a blessing. There was also a flowered walkway through the gardens and around the lake where images and stories of the life and of Krishna were displayed finishing with a figure of Krishna decorated with thousands of flowers.

Many children also arrived at the manor colourfully dressed in costumes depicting stories about Krishna’s life.

Among those at Bhativedanta Manor was Rishi Adatia, 27, from Blackheath, for whom Janmashtami holds a poignant meaning.

He said: “My father, Dilip, passed away this time four years ago. We all come to pay our respects but there's also huge religious importance. It's about the community getting together, the whole family getting together and spending time with each other.”