THOUSANDS of people have joined hands at a festival in Aldenham to form a human chain to pray for peace and for the victims of war and terrorism.

The chain was formed at midnight on Wednesday, as visitors descended on Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple to celebrate the annual Janmashtami festival.

The festival is one of the biggest Hindu celebrations in Europe and will welcome up to 75,000 visitors over the two-day event, which marks the birthday of Lord Krishna.

This year, in light of the current international situation, the festivities centred on the theme of peace and the chain was formed at midnight, the precise moment Krishna was born, when a peace mantra was chanted. Children formed their own chain at 2pm.

Vinay Tanna, head of communications at Bhaktivedanta Manor, said the festival was a perfect time to remember those affected by war and terror.

He said: "We have so many people who have come here and are already in that peaceful mood and it captures that moment.

"It was to dedicate our thoughts to those who are suffering and those who have suffered because of war.

"It is a festival and we should be enjoying ourselves, but also our thoughts should be with those who are suffering.

"It is a festival which celebrates life and that is where the idea comes from - we are celebrating and thinking about life."

Visitors from across the UK and Europe queued to take a glimpse of Krishna's deity, decorated with over 4,000 flowers, and took in a specially-constructed pergola depicting Krishna's birth, set in the gardens of the house.

The festival, which ran throughout the day and into the night, also featured plays, Indian dances and yoga and meditation sessions in huge marquees.

Preparations for the celebrations have been underway for more than six months and the event required around 1,300 volunteers to ensure the estimated 75,000 visitors over the two days enjoy the festival.

The celebrations continue today (Sunday) with the public festival, which begins at noon.