Video of grand chariot procession in London goes viral. Here's what it actually is

A video of a chariot procession on the streets of London has gone viral online. The celebration is a part of Ther Thiruvizha.A video showing a chariot procession in London has gone viral. (Photos: @dave24144975/X)A video of an elaborate chariot procession in London has gone viral.The short clip showed several brightly decorated chariots making their way through the streets of London as part of the annual festival organised by Tamil Hindu temples. The chariots, adorned with intricate decorations, were the centrepiece of the procession.Men dressed in traditional costumes were seen suspended in front of the structures, while two others stood on the extended section of a chariot holding its ropes. The sight made several onlookers stop to watch and record the procession on their phones.The festival, known as Ther Thiruvizha, is a traditional Tamil Hindu procession in which deities are carried through the streets on elaborately decorated chariots. Watch the video here:The video has gone viral online, where reactions were divided. Some users were intrigued by the elaborate procession, while others questioned whether such events should be held on public roads. Some called for religious celebrations of this nature to be restricted to private spaces, while others argued that communities living abroad should assimilate more closely into local culture.Supporters of the procession, however, pointed to London’s long history of accommodating different cultural and religious celebrations in public spaces. They argued that public festivals have become part of the city’s diverse cultural landscape, provided they are conducted within the necessary rules and arrangements.London has previously hosted large Hindu public celebrations, including the Ratha Yatra, which has been held in the city for decades and has become an annual feature.- EndsPublished By: Srimoyee ChowdhuryPublished On: Sep 8, 2026 12:02 IST