Archive · 19 Aug 2026
London's Thames to Host Ganga Aarti in September 2026
Ganga Aarti is a special ceremony held beside the Ganga River in India.
People use lamps, flowers, prayers, music and chanting during the ritual.
In September 2026, a similar ceremony is planned beside the River Thames in London.
It will take place at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
The event will be free, but visitors must register before attending.
Activities such as food, music, dancing and community stalls will begin at 4 p.m.
The main ceremony will start at 7:15 p.m.
Organizers want Indian people in London to reconnect with their traditions.
They also want people from other backgrounds to learn about the ceremony and its cultural meaning.
A special Ganga Aarti is scheduled beside London’s River Thames on September 13, 2026.
The free event will be held at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, with registration required.
Activities begin at 4 p.m. and include Indian food, community stalls, live music and dance.
The ceremonial evening aarti is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.
Organizers aim to connect Indian spiritual tradition with the Indian diaspora and wider UK audience.
- Who
- Organizers will bring the Ganga Aarti tradition to London for the Indian community and the wider public.
- What
- A public cultural event featuring Indian food, community activities, music, dance and a ceremonial Ganga Aarti.
- When
- September 13, 2026; activities begin at 4 p.m. and the aarti begins at 7:15 p.m.
- Where
- The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, beside the River Thames in London.
- Why
- To recreate the spiritual atmosphere of the traditional ceremony, help the Indian diaspora reconnect with its culture and introduce the ritual to a wider UK audience.
- Event date
- September 13, 2026
- Venue
- Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
- Opening time
- 4 p.m.
- Ceremony time
- 7:15 p.m.
- Admission
- Free, with registration required
- Planned activities
- Indian food, community stalls, live music and dance performances
- Traditional locations
- The Ganga Aarti is traditionally performed beside the River Ganga, particularly in Varanasi, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
