A Hindu priest was invited to take part in an 'enlightening' spiritual festival in Goa.

Gurudev Rajeshji Parmar, founder of Siddhashram Shakti Centre, has returned to Harrow after travelling to Goa, India, in February to take part in Hindu festival Divya Devasthan Sabha.

The priest was among hundreds of scholars and religious leaders invited by the Indian government. During his visit he met the chief minister of Goa and the cabinet minister for India, a popular preacher for Hinduism in Goa.

More than 40,000 people attended the event, which was held to raise awareness about the Hindu community and bring members together for a celebration of faith.

He said: “People have ideas of Goa of sightseeing, beaches and casino. But Goa is not just that – it’s a spiritual land too.

“The people there are so humble and believe strongly in diversity. It was a great experience.”