For thousands of years, the Ganga Aarti has taken place on the banks of the River Ganga at dusk — a ceremony of light, fire, music and prayer in the ancient Vedic tradition. Priests offer flames to the river as the sun sets, accompanied by mantras and devotional song.
On Sunday 13 September 2026, this living ritual comes to London for the first time. Chinmaya Mission UK — a registered charity dedicated to sharing the timeless wisdom of Vedanta — brings Ganga Aarti to the banks of the River Thames at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, one of the most magnificent riverside settings in Britain.
Two ancient rivers. Two civilisations. One offering. The event is open to everyone — no background, belief, or prior practice required.
Aarti is a Hindu ritual of worship in which light — typically from a flame — is offered to a deity or sacred element. At the River Ganga (Ganges), this ceremony has been performed every evening for millennia, most famously at Varanasi and Haridwar. The ritual involves lit lamps, incense, flowers, mantras and devotional music. It is one of the most visually spectacular and spiritually significant ceremonies in Indian tradition — and now it comes to the Thames.
What to Expect on the Day
The afternoon begins at 4pm with food, music and culture — building through the evening to the Aarti ceremony itself at 7:15pm on the Royal Steps of the Old Royal Naval College, right at the water's edge.
Bring a warm layer for the evening — it will be September and temperatures drop after sunset. A picnic blanket for the lawn is a great idea. Food and drink are available to buy all day. This is a family event — all ages very welcome.
The Venue — Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
The Old Royal Naval College is one of London's most breathtaking riverside locations — a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of Maritime Greenwich. Its grand domed buildings and classical columns rise directly over the Thames, and the riverside lawn leads down to the Royal Steps, where the Aarti will take place.
The Royal Steps have hosted monarchs, admirals and dignitaries over centuries. On 13 September 2026, they will host something entirely new — the ancient light of Ganga Aarti reflected in the waters of the Thames.
This event is held in partnership with Totally Thames — the arts and heritage organisation that celebrates the River Thames through events, environmental initiatives and education programmes every September. Ganga Aarti is part of their wider 2026 programme.
How to Get There
There is no parking at the Old Royal Naval College. Please use public transport. Check Transport for London (TfL) before you travel for any service updates or temporary closures. Greenwich Pier has Europe's first Ramp Rider for wheelchair users boarding at all tide levels.
What to Bring — Checklist
About Chinmaya Mission UK
Chinmaya Mission UK is a registered charity (Charity No: 1077622) dedicated to sharing the timeless wisdom of Vedanta and fostering spiritual growth. Founded on the teachings of Swami Chinmayananda, the Mission creates a welcoming space for seekers of all backgrounds to explore the profound insights of ancient Indian philosophy.
The Ganga Aarti is one of the flagship events in the Mission's CM75 celebrations — marking 75 years of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. All events are volunteer-led and free to attend.
This event is completely free and open to all. As a volunteer-led organisation, Chinmaya Mission UK relies on community support to keep events like this going. If you would like to contribute, donations of any size go directly towards making the event a success. Donate and support here →
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