Thousands gathered along the banks of the Thames at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London, for Ganga Aarti on the Thames: A Ceremony of Light - the largest Ganga Aarti ever staged in the UK.

Organised by Chinmaya Mission UK in partnership with Totally Thames as part of the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav, the landmark event brought the centuries-old Hindu tradition of Ganga Aarti to the heart of London. Spiritual leaders and representatives from across Hindu traditions came together, while people of all backgrounds were welcomed to participate in a spirit of gratitude, unity and reverence for nature.

The riverside came alive as the event commenced around 4PM with cultural and community activities, including dance performances, live music, family activities, exhibitions on Gita Panchamrit and Mother Ganga, food, and opportunities to learn more about Hinduism and Chinmaya Mission’s work in the UK and around the world.

As dusk fell, illuminated ceremonial lamps were offered towards the Thames against the historic backdrop of the Old Royal Naval College. The Aarti was accompanied by music and chanting by Chinmaya Mission UK’s Swaranjali (The Music Wing).

Reverence for nature remained central to the ceremony. In keeping with the spirit of the tradition, the Aarti was conducted entirely on land, with nothing placed, poured or released into the Thames.

The sacred ceremony brought together spiritual leaders and representatives from Anoopam Mission, Arsha Vidya UK, BAPS Swaminarayan, Brahma Kumaris, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, International Vedanta Society UK and Parmarth Niketan.

Blessings and messages were also received from Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SMRD) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).

The event was attended by diplomatic and civic guests, including His Excellency Periasamy Kumaran, High Commissioner of India to the UK.

Present at the occasion, Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission said, “For generations, communities have gathered on the banks of the Ganga to offer light in gratitude for the river, for nature and for all that sustains life. To see that same spirit brought to the Thames at this scale, with thousands of people coming together in gratitude, hope and unity, is deeply meaningful. It is a historic moment for the Hindu community in the UK, and a reminder that the values at the heart of our traditions can bring people of all backgrounds together.

For the Chinmaya Mission, the Ganga also symbolises the flow of knowledge. Our founder, Swami Chinmayananda, dedicated his life to bringing the timeless wisdom of Vedanta - from the Himalayas into people’s everyday lives. As we mark 75 years of Chinmaya Mission, this gathering is a celebration of that legacy - of knowledge, service and gratitude flowing beyond boundaries.”

The historic evening was made possible through the collective efforts of spiritual leaders, participating organisations, sevaks, sponsors and supporters.

Chinmaya Mission UK expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the event, with special thanks to Dhamecha Group, Vascroft Foundation, Burnt Oak Builders Merchants, Devji Group, Lifelines, Harmony Health & Wellness and Bell Containers for their generous support.

Catch the glimpses of this historic evening: Ganga Aarti on Thames.