London
Sai Paalki Procession 2026 – The Biggest Sai Celebration in Europe East Ham, London

Sunday, 26 July 2026
The East Ham Baba Temple marked its 15th Anniversary with a magnificent nine-day Sai Cultural Festival, culminating in the spectacular Sai Paalki Procession, recognised as the biggest Sai celebration in Europe.
The grand event brought together hundreds of devotees from across the United Kingdom and Europe in a vibrant celebration of faith, unity, culture, and selfless service.
The origins of this remarkable spiritual journey date back to 2009, when I visited London.
During my stay, Vina Ji and Teagu Ji spent several evenings driving me around the city in search of a suitable location to establish the World Shirdi Sai Baba Organization UK.

At that time, choosing the right place seemed uncertain.
However, one thing remained firmly in my heart, the mystical significance of the number nine, a number deeply associated with Shirdi Sai Baba.
As we travelled through the city, I noticed a prominent overhead road sign that read A117 High Street South, identifying it as the gateway into East Ham. The number 117, which totals 9 (1+1+7), immediately stood out as a divine indication.
I accepted it as Baba’s guidance, and that moment became the inspiration for establishing the Baba Centre in East Ham.
What began as a humble spiritual mission has today grown into an international movement. Excellent leadership and management from Vina Ji, Teagu Ji and Sivagami Ji, and amazing support from staff team & volunteers, the organisation has expanded from East Ham across many countries and has proudly attained Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), enabling it to contribute to global humanitarian and social development initiatives.

The anniversary celebrations were conducted over nine consecutive days, with each evening showcasing inspiring cultural programmes that promoted arts, culture, tradition, music, dance, and heritage, reflecting the universal values taught by Shirdi Sai Baba.
The grand finale took place on the ninth day, with the annual Sai Paalki Procession, attracting hundreds of devotees and becoming a powerful expression of devotion on the streets of East Ham.
Just before the procession was due to commence at around 9.30 a.m., dark clouds gathered unexpectedly, and heavy rain began to fall, causing concern among the organisers and devotees.
Yet, within a matter of minutes, the rain stopped completely, and clear skies returned. Many devotees regarded this extraordinary change in weather as divine intervention and Baba’s blessings, allowing the sacred procession to proceed without interruption.
The procession began with the thunderous rhythms of the traditional Chenda Melam, led by renowned master percussionist Vinod Navadhara and his talented team from the Navadhara School of Music London.
The vibrant percussion created an electrifying atmosphere that captivated passers-by, many of whom stopped to watch, photograph, and enquire about the celebration.
As the procession moved gracefully through the residential streets of East Ham, many local residents stepped out of their homes, curious to witness the colourful display of devotion, music, and culture. The event became a beautiful opportunity for the wider community to experience the universal message of Shirdi Sai Baba.

The nearly three-hour Paalki Procession travelled along the historic High Street South before concluding at the picturesque Plashet Park, one of East Ham’s historic nineteenth-century public parks situated on Plashet Grove within the London Borough of Newham.
The park provided an ideal setting for the concluding celebrations and community activities.
One of the most meaningful highlights of the day was the Free Community Health and Well-being Programme, conducted simultaneously at Plashet Park.
Dedicated Sai devotees who serve as medical professionals generously offered complimentary basic health screenings and medical consultations to members of the public, reflecting Baba’s timeless teaching of service to humanity as service to God.
In keeping with the spirit of Sai Annadaan, an abundance of freshly prepared lunch was lovingly served to all devotees, volunteers, guests, and members of the public gathered at the park, creating an atmosphere of fellowship, gratitude, and sharing.
The World Shirdi Sai Baba Organization UK extends its heartfelt appreciation to the local councillors, police personnel, volunteers, sponsors, staff members, medical professionals, performers, and every devotee whose unwavering dedication, generosity, and selfless seva made this historic celebration a tremendous success.

The annual Sai Paalki Procession continues to stand as a beacon of unity, compassion, cultural harmony, and spiritual inspiration, touching the lives of thousands while spreading the universal teachings of Love, Faith, Compassion, Charity, and Selfless Service taught by Shirdi Sai Baba.