Festival Celebrating Birth of Krishna Held in House of Commons

September 11, 2004

Source: The Hindu

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/003200409112241.htm

On September 11, 2004 The Hindu reported, "Janamashtami was celebrated at the House of Commons this week, for the first time in Britain's history. The Members' Dining Room was transformed into a traditional Hindu temple. The event was attended by deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and over 300 leaders and representatives from the British Hindu community, as well as many Ministers, MPs, Peers and the Mayor of London. The host for the evening, Transport Minister Tony McNulty termed, it 'a historic event in the British Parliament, which should become an annual event.' Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, MP, congratulated the Hindu community for holding the first-ever ceremony commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna in the House of Commons and said he had been to India seven times and had learnt a lot about India and its culture."