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Chinmaya Mission UK brings Ganga Aarti to Thames
The one-day event, organised with Totally Thames, promises cultural performances, spiritual traditions, live music and a traditional Ganga Aarti ceremony.
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Bhavana P - Wed, 19, Aug 2026
- 13:27 EDT
- 28
Representative image / Ai generated
Chinmaya Mission UK, a global spiritual organisation dedicated to sharing the wisdom of Vedanta, is set to host a traditional Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the River Thames on Sept. 13.
The ceremony offers celebration of Indian culture at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London. The free, family-friendly event will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (local time), with the Ganga Aarti scheduled from 7:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m (local time).
The ceremony will take place on the Royal Steps overlooking the Thames, at the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The program will begin with food stalls and live music and dance performances from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This will be followed by a session from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. explaining the spiritual significance and traditions of the Ganga Aarti.
Chinmaya Mission UK said the event seeks to connect the traditions associated with the River Ganges with the River Thames. In the Vedic tradition, devotees gather on riverbanks at dusk to offer fire and song during Aarti. The London event will recreate this tradition in what organizers describe as a meeting of “two ancient rivers” that have shaped civilizations and carried the prayers of generations.
The event is being held in collaboration with Totally Thames and is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, with no prior religious belief or spiritual practice required.
Organizers have also emphasized environmental responsibility during the ceremony. No flowers, idols or other offerings will be placed in the River Thames, in keeping with the event’s commitment to respecting and protecting the historic waterway.
Chinmaya Mission UK, a registered charity founded on the teachings of Swami Chinmayananda, said the volunteer-led organization aims to preserve and pass on India’s spiritual traditions while fostering community engagement.
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