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Janmashtami Festival

804. Dilip Patel
805. Krishna Purna Devi Dasi

Dilip Patel and Krishna Purna Devi Dasi, from Hertfordshire, have spent 35 years volunteering at their local Hare Krishna temple and together they organise the largest Hindu festival outside of India, drawing two million visitors to Hertfordshire.

Under Dilip and Krishna’s guidance the ‘Janmashtami Festival’ has inspired 1,500 volunteers to get involved and attracts tens of thousands of attendees a year. It takes place at Bhaktivedanta Manor, a gift to the Hare Krishna community from Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison, and the location maintains significant public interest. Dilip and Krishna’s work has been significant in expanding its reach and prominence as a cultural centre.  

In a personal letter to Dilip, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“Together with Krishna, your work in organising the largest Hindu festival outside of India is a remarkable achievement. As Chair of the Festival Committee, you should be very proud of how many people you have inspired to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor, as well as your 35 years of dedicated volunteering.”

In a personal letter to Krishna, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“Together with Dilip, your work in organising the largest Hindu festival outside of India is a remarkable achievement. As Head of Volunteers, you have led and inspired over a thousand volunteers to help grow Bhaktivedanta Manor into an important cultural centre, which is testament to your incredible commitment.”

Krishna said:  

“Volunteering is enlightening and gives me inner peace. I am fortunate that I am given a chance to volunteer at Bhaktivedanta Manor.” 

The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.

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