Thousands of Hindus from the Tamil community in the UK and from all over Europe gathered for an annual chariot festival in Ealing, west London this morning (14 Aug) to honour the god Murugan's victory over demon Soorapadam, killed using a vel - a divine spear.

Participants in the event organised by the Shri Kanagathurkkai Amman Temple, marched in colourful dress accompanied by a traditional band.

Some women walked backwards carrying pots containing milk on their heads, others carried fire pots.

Male devotees rolled on the tarmac along the processionary route to the temple, more painfully so on one of the hottest days of the year, with a few men vomiting in the heat.
Others chose to be pierced through their cheeks and on their backs with vels, and danced whilst carrying decorated arches.

The rituals are performed as a thanksgiving to the gods - or to ask for help with granting wishes or with solving problems.