MORE than 75,000 people are expected to gather in Aldenham this weekend to celebrate a 5,000-year-old Hindu festival.

The celebrations for Janmashtami will be held at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hilfield Lane on Friday and Sunday.

Aldenham's version of the festival is believed to be the largest outside India.

The entire festival, which celebrates family values, devotion to God and serving others, is managed and run by volunteers from the community, who gather every evening for a month prior to the event.

Tulasi Harrison, 16, a student from Watford, has volunteered every year since she was nine years old.

This year she is involved in co-ordinating the gift shop tent.

She said: "I love what I am doing. Every year I meet so many new people and learn a lot of new things.

"It makes me feel like a real part of this important festival. With all the distractions in society for people of my age, I feel privileged to be able to come to a safe place and do something which is benefiting so many others."

Bhaktivedanta Manor president, Gauri Dasa, is also looking forward to the event. All visitors will be given a free vegetarian meal - everyone is welcome.

He said: "It is a chance for everyone to give something back to the community, but do it in a way that is fun and very productive."

For more information on the festival telephone Bhaktivedanta Manor on 01923 856269.