Thousands of Hindu devotees gather in West London for chariot procession

  • Around 10,000 people turned out for annual Hindu chariot festival in west Ealing, London
  • It is one of the biggest events of the year in the area and features a chariot procession through the streets
  • The festival honours the Hindu god of war Murugan’s victory over a demon using a special ‘vel’ spear
  • Those involved carry out act of devotion such as carrying pots of milk on their heads or having piercings 

Thousands of people flocked to London for one of the most colourful events of the calendar year.

The annual festival saw a celebration of Hindu culture take over west Ealing, culminating in a chariot procession through the London borough.

It is one of the biggest events of the year in the area with around 10,000 thought to have attended from all over Europe.

Hindu devotees roll along the road in west Ealing, London, as an act of sacrifice during the Thaipusam Festival, pictured

Hindu devotees roll along the road in west Ealing, London, as an act of sacrifice during the Thaipusam Festival, pictured

Women wearing traditional dress carried pots of milk on their head to show their devotion during the Hindu event, pictured

Women wearing traditional dress carried pots of milk on their head to show their devotion during the Hindu event, pictured

The annual festival culminated in a chariot procession, pictured, through the streets of the London borough

The annual festival culminated in a chariot procession, pictured, through the streets of the London borough

Organised by the Shri Kanagathurkkai Amman Temple, the festival commemorates the legend of the Hindu god of war, Murugan, and his defeat of the demon Soorapadam using a ‘divine spear’ known as a vel.

Those taking part in the festival offer up a sign of devotion to Murugan, whether it be as simple as carrying a pot of milk on their heads, or piercing their skin with vels.

Other devotees rolled their bodies along the road surface as their act of devotion despite only wearing a short robe around their waist.

Source: dailymail.co.uk