Watford, Wngland - The largest gathering of Hindus outside India was taking place in Britain, organisers said.
Up to 75,000 people were expected to flock on Friday to Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple near Watford, northwest of London, to mark the festival of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, born around 5,000 years ago.
The manor was donated in 1973 by George Harrison, the late Hare Krishna-influenced former Beatles guitarist.
Organisers have erected 20 marquees at the 77-acre (31-hectare) at the site, where worship, eating, music, plays and dancing will be held.
"There are around 600,000 Hindus in Britain and so about an eighth of Britain's Hindu population will pass through this estate," spokesman Radha Mohan told AFP.
"This is the largest single festival where Hindus are gathering together outside India," he said.
Co-ordinator Ranesh Kallidai said: "It is an amazing festival full of colour and warmth."
The festival kicked off at 12:00 pm (1100 GMT), with many Hindus fasting until the climax of the celebrations at midnight, the official time of Lord Krishna's birth.
The event runs until Sunday.