Spritual food is the theme for this year’s annual Janmashtami festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor later this month.

The manor off Hilfield Lane in Aldenham, which boasts extensive grounds, will play host to the largest Krishna festival outside India when it stages the event on August 24 and 25.

There will be food demonstrations and tasting tents for different cuisines celebrating vegetarianism and environmentalism plus live stage shows, colourful costumes and meditation.

A flowered walkway will also be opened through the spiritual gardens and around the lake to allow visitors to journey through the life and pastimes of the Hindu god Krishna.

On August 25 the manor will also be celebrating the birthday of the founding guru of the Hare Krishna movement, A. C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Preparations for the event, which aims to give a glimpse into mystic India, began more than six months ago and is being coordinated by around 1,300 volunteers.

Last year more than 60,000 people, including MPs and dignitaries joined in the celebrations for the birthday of the Hindu god Krishna and it is expected that more than 65,000 will attend this year.

The event will run from 12pm until midnight on August 24 and from 12pm until 10pm on August 25. Entrance is free.