CROOME Court was overflowing with vibrant colour at the weekend as the Hare Krishnas celebrated their time at the National Trust mansion house and parkland.
As part of Heritage Open Days on Saturday and Sunday (September 13 and 14), visitors had free entry to enjoy a weekend of theatre, singing, dance and culture at Croome’s Hare Krishna Festival near Worcester.
Among the colourful stalls selling jewellery, scarves and gifts visitors had the opportunity to have their hands decorated using traditional Henna painting techniques or enjoy an invigorating massage whilst the heady fragrance of incense wafted through the air.
Extremely popular were the cooking demonstrations giving visitors a chance to pick up tips on how to cook the perfect chipati or sample some free vegetarian food at the food stalls.
The festival, celebrating this fascinating period in Croome’s eclectic history, culminated in a lively performance of music, song and dance with traditional Indian instruments such as the sitar being played.
Becky Wilks, Croome’s visitor services assistant, said: “The annual festival gave visitors a chance to find out about another chapter of Croome’s story and we hope that all our visitors enjoyed the day.”
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness bought Croome Court in 1979 when famous devotee, George Harrison, reputedly released funds for the purchase to use the Grade I listed mansion as their headquarters.
After stamping their own unique mark on the house, which can be seen in the colourful painted decoration of the Dining Room, they chose to relocate in Watford at Bhaktivedanta Manor which was also bought for them by the world-famous Beatles lead guitarist.
