A traditional Hindu cultural celebration featuring the aarti will be held on the banks of the River Thames in London on September 13, inviting people from diverse backgrounds to participate.

The event will bring together Indian culture, music, food and community activities, culminating in a grand aarti ceremony.

The programme will be organised by Chinmaya Mission UK in collaboration with Totally Thames, a trust that promotes and celebrates the River Thames through arts programmes, heritage projects, environmental initiatives and community events.

The aarti will take place at the Old Royal Naval College on the banks of the Thames.

Sharing details of the event, Chinmaya Mission UK said visitors can arrive from 4 pm to explore community stalls, enjoy food and watch live music and dance performances. Activities will also be organised for children.

The organisers have invited families and friends to attend and suggested bringing a warm layer for the evening and a picnic blanket.

“Food and drink [will be] available to buy all day. This is an open and inclusive family event for all to enjoy,” the organisers said.

The organisers have also emphasised their commitment to protecting the River Thames and ensuring that the ceremony does not cause environmental harm.

In keeping with this commitment, no items, including flowers, idols or other offerings, will be placed in the River Thames during or after the ceremony, they said.