A traditional Indian riverside ceremony is set to take place against the historic backdrop of London’s River Thames this September, bringing a familiar cultural ritual to the UK capital.
The Ganga Aarti will be held on 13 September 2026 at the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. The event is being organised by Chinmaya Mission UK in collaboration with Totally Thames as part of the month-long Totally Thames 2026 programme.
The ceremony will recreate the atmosphere of an Indian riverfront aarti, a ritual commonly associated with the ghats of Varanasi, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
The event, which will run from 4pm to 8pm, will feature Indian food, cultural stalls, live music, dance performances and family-friendly activities.
The main Ganga Aarti is scheduled for 7.15pm, around sunset, and will take place on the Royal Steps beside the Thames.
Organisers describe the event as a symbolic meeting of two historic rivers, with the traditional Ceremony of Light being brought from the banks of the Ganga to the Thames.
The aarti will centre on lamps, music and devotional elements as an expression of gratitude and reverence for the river.
While rooted in Hindu tradition, organisers say the event is open to everyone and is free to attend, making it accessible to both local communities and international visitors.
There will also be an environmental focus. Unlike some traditional river ceremonies in India, visitors will not be permitted to place flowers, idols or other offerings into the Thames.
Organisers are asking attendees to respect the river and ensure that all offerings remain out of the water.
For Indian travellers who have experienced evening aartis in Varanasi, Haridwar or Rishikesh, the London ceremony is expected to offer a distinctly different experience, combining an ancient Indian tradition with the architecture and atmosphere of Greenwich.
The event is expected to provide a unique cultural experience while highlighting the shared significance of rivers across different parts of the world.
By Times Of India