London, Sep 11. (UNI): 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.

"I am reminded of the historical ties between India and Britain with festivities like these," he added.

Patricia Hewitt MP, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Minister for Women and Equality, said: "It is nice to return from the summer break to see the House of Commons looking like this (pointing to the Indian décor). The British Parliament is a historic building and the British Hindu community have contributed to its history.

"Normally one goes to a temple to celebrate the festival of Janmashtami but today the temple has come to the House of Commons," quipped Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Department for International Development.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone applauded the Indian community in London for their contribution, while chairman of the Labour Friends of India Stephen Pound said that the journey that began 5,000 years ago, with the birth of Lord Krishna, still continues today.

"This journey is inspirational and joyful."

Conservative Friends of India chairman Peter Luff MP, said that he welcomed the celebration of Krishna's birth at the House of Commons, which has been organised by Tony McNulty, Abhay Lakhani, ISKCON and NCHT (UK), for the British Hindu community, which plays an important role in the fabric of the British society."

Indian High Commissioner Kamlesh Sharma, who was also present, acknowledged the importance of having a spiritual base in society and called the observance of Krishna Janmashtami in the House of Commons is a significant event.