The forthcoming Janmastami Festival [birth celebration of Lord Krishna] at the Bhaktivedanta Manor near Watford [UK] 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.

This year the organisers want to highlight to festival goers the need to be aware of their responsibility to mother earth.

Sita Rama Das, a spokesman for the Temple’s environmental team said: “We will be serving 65,000 people with a sumptuous free vegetarian meal in compostable cups and plates, offering advice on recycling and reusing.”

Groups such as Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace will give advice about improving our carbon footprint and devotees will be at hand to give advise on reducing one’s ‘karma footprint’.

Vinay Tanna, Head of Communications, said: “one of the central beliefs of Vedic culture is every action has a reaction. To reduce one’s karma footprint is for each of us to make a positive step to be more environmentally aware. ‘

Sheila Chauhan, a champion of the green issues at the Bhaktivedanta Manor said:

"We are encouraging everyone to make a difference. But you can only do this once you take the first step and make a pledge. People will be asked to make pledges written on a leaf which will be hung to a large banyan tree and in turn each family will receive a free tree sapling to grow in their own gardens".

The highlight this year will be a flowered walkway through the spiritual gardens and woodlands around the lake. You will journey through the life and pastimes of Lord Krishna. As you approach the shrine the excitement will build, climaxing with a glimpse of the spectacular deity of Lord Krishna decorated with thousands of flowers. The festival is held in one of the most picturesque settings of Hertfordshire within 78 acres of land.

Bhaktivedanta Manor near Watford was donated by the Beatle George Harrison. The event is a glimpse of the colourful taste of mystic India with live stage shows, colourful costumes, enchanting music, meditation, exotic food and market stalls.

Venue: Bhaktivedanta Manor, Off Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Watford, WD25 8EZ

Date & Time: Sunday 2nd September 2007 – Midday to 10.00 pm