A Hindu temple has welcomed thousands of pilgrims on the first day of a religious festival that dates back 5,000 years.

The A41 from Watford towards London resembled a car park for most of the day as worshippers and visitors from across the country travelled to Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Letchmore Heath, to celebrate Janmashtima.

The annual festival marks the birth of Hare Krishna and the temple plays host to the largest gathering of worshippers outside India.

In total, around 60,000 people of all religions, races and ages are expected to attend the two-day event.

Entering the temple, an array of stalls were on show displaying art, literature, food and drink, with stages set around the grounds to entertain visitors with music, dance and theatre.

A line of people snaked around the site, queueing to enter the temple room where they can visit holy deities and receive a blessing.

The theme of this year's festival is 'food for the body and spirit' and this was evident by the large prasad tent in the main grounds serving hot free meals and a large white tent for the Veggie steady cook exhibits.

Visitors were also able to visit the New Gokul, the temple's centre for cow protection and working oxen.

Among those at Bhativedanta Manor was Rishi Adatia, 27, from Blackheath, for whom Janmashtima holds a more 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.”

Another visitor, Deepa Shah, 29, travelled from Cardiff for the event.

She said: “Being at a religious festival I get to see my family and friends.

“I came here because it's one of the biggest places to hold the festival.”

Saci Kishmore, 28, has been a resident at Bhaktevidenta Manor for the past six years.

He said: “It's a traditional festival that takes place in India but now happens all across the world. It signifies the appearance of God on the planet, when he appeared 5,000 years ago. Here the celebrations go on.”

Janmashtima continues tomorrow (Bank Holiday Monday), with activities 8.15am until 10.30pm.