Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 London guide: Best temples, pandals, Leicester festival & UK celebrations. Dates, timings & tips for devotees.
Ganesh Chaturthi brings the colours, sounds, and devotion of India to the heart of Britain each year. For many in the UK, and especially London, it’s more than just a festival—it’s a way to feel closer to home while celebrating Lord Ganesha’s blessings for wisdom and prosperity.
In 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, 26 August, with Ganesh Visarjan on Saturday, 6 September. The most auspicious Madhyahna Puja Muhurat in London is 11:38 AM–2:25 PM, making it the perfect window for sthapana and puja. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular devotee, here’s your guide to the top five Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in London and across the UK.
1. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden (London)
A Grand and Peaceful Darshan
The Neasden Temple is Europe’s first traditional Hindu mandir and remains one of the most visited places of worship in the UK. Known for its stunning marble architecture, the temple hosts well-organised Ganesh Chaturthi darshans every year. Expect a serene atmosphere with devotional bhajans, arti, and cultural programmes.
Local tip: Parking is limited—take the Jubilee line to Neasden or Stonebridge Park and walk 10 minutes to the mandir.
2. Shree Ghanapathy Temple, Wimbledon (London)
Traditional South Indian-Style Celebration
The Wimbledon Ghanapathy Temple is one of the UK’s oldest Hindu temples. Each year, Vinayaka Chathurthi is celebrated with homams, alankarams, and evening pujas in traditional South Indian style. Devotees can witness beautifully decorated idols of Lord Ganesha, participate in abhishekam, and join in community aarti.
Local tip: Visit 30–40 minutes before the evening arti to get a good spot in the darshan queue.
3. Maharashtra Mandal London (MML) Ganeshotsav
A Community Ganesh Festival
If you’re looking for the lively feel of a sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, the Maharashtra Mandal London is the place to be. Their Ganeshotsav features dhol-tasha, dance, cultural programmes, and devotional performances that capture the true Mumbai spirit. Families gather for a festive day of bhakti and fun, making it one of the most popular Ganesh events in the capital.
Local tip: Tickets for cultural evenings sell out quickly—book in advance when the programme schedule is released.
4. Leicester Ganesh Utsav (Leicester Cha Raja)
Celebrating Outside London
If you’re ready to travel, head to Leicester for the Leicester Cha Raja Ganesh Festival. Now running for more than three decades, this community celebration includes big idols, cultural shows, and visarjan processions. The atmosphere on Belgrave Road is vibrant, with Indian sweet shops selling modaks, ladoos, and festive snacks.
Local tip: Make a day of it—attend darshan and then enjoy authentic Maharashtrian and Gujarati food in Leicester’s Golden Mile.
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5. Sri Raja Rajeswary Amman Temple, Stoneleigh (Greater London/Surrey)
Quiet and Devotional Atmosphere
For a peaceful, family-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi, the Sri Raja Rajeswary Amman Temple is a wonderful choice. Each year, they host Vinayagar Chathurthi with homam, abhishekam, and elaborate alankaram of Lord Ganesha. The temple offers a more intimate devotional experience compared with London’s larger mandirs.
Local tip: Ideal if you’re seeking a spiritual celebration with children or elderly family members.
Key Timings for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
- London: Madhyahna Puja Muhurat – 11:38 AM to 2:25 PM
- Leicester: Madhyahna Puja Muhurat – 11:42 AM to 2:30 PM
Note: Ganesh Chaturthi is not a UK public holiday, so plan travel accordingly and expect crowds during peak darshan hours.
What to Bring and Expect
- Offerings: Flowers, fruits, coconuts, and especially modaks, believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet.
- Footwear: Shoes must be left outside the temple hall. Expect security checks and bag restrictions at larger venues.
- Queues: Even smaller temples get busy—arriving 30–60 minutes before aarti helps avoid long waits.
- Prasad: Most temples distribute prasad after aarti. Shops on Ealing Road (Wembley) and Belgrave Road (Leicester) stock festive sweets.
Eco-Friendly Visarjan in the UK
Unlike in India, immersing idols in natural water bodies is not permitted in the UK. Instead, temples and community organisers provide eco-friendly visarjan in portable tanks or symbolic immersions. Always follow temple guidelines for home idols.
FAQs – Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 in London
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 in the UK?
Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, with visarjan on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
Which London temple is best for first-time visitors?
For accessibility and grandeur, Neasden Temple is ideal. For traditional South Indian rituals, Wimbledon Ghanapathy Temple is a great choice.
Are there community-style Ganesh pandals in London?
Yes—Maharashtra Mandal London hosts a full community Ganeshotsav with cultural shows and a festive atmosphere.
Where can I buy modaks in London?
Shops on Ealing Road (Wembley) and Southall Broadway stock modaks during the festival season. In Leicester, try Belgrave Road sweet shops.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking the grandeur of Neasden Temple, the authenticity of Wimbledon Ghanapathy, the lively energy of Maharashtra Mandal London, the big crowds in Leicester, or the devotional calm at Stoneleigh, Ganesh Chaturthi in the UK offers something for everyone.
So mark your calendars, plan your darshan, and let 2025 be blessed with the grace of Ganpati Bappa. As devotees say—
“Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!”