The doors to Britain's first state-funded Hindu school have opened.
The Krishna-Avanti Primary School started life in its temporary home at Little Stanmore School Nursery, First and Middle School, in St David's Drive, yesterday.
The inaugural reception class of 23 children started their first day of education where they will practise Hindu rituals and prayers.
Pupils will also learn the ancient language Sanskrit, as well as taking part in yoga and meditation in addition to national curriculum classes.
Headteacher Naina Parma was excited to see the first pupils in the school.
She said: "There is a lot of media attention about the concerns and worries that faith schools can be very insular, but this school is very dedicated to working with the Government."
However the school will be in its temporary home for the next year before moving to nearby building in Camrose Avenue, Edgware, in September 2009.
The headteacher added: "We had two options one to stay in a temporary building on the site or coming and starting up in another school.
"We have the opportunity to work in partnership with other schools, one of the benefits of beinghere is that the children can communicate with others.
"They have been very supportive."
VIkram and Sheetal Kaicker, have placed their four-year-old son in the school.
Mr Kaicker said: "I wanted to send him here because of the Hindu values. They pray before they start classes and we will be with like-minded parents and students.
"He is getting the best of both worlds."
Anjana Patel, portfolio holder for schools and children's, said: "This has taken more than two years and it is a large step forward for the UK's Hindu community.
"Harrow has the highest number of Hindus following the religion and they will have a chance of sending their children to a Hindu school."
