Why were topless men rolling in the road in Wimbledon?

But the unusual Sunday-morning activity in Effra Road did actually take place, as dozens of Hindu worshippers gathered to celebrate the Chariot Festival.

The streets of Wimbledon were awash with colour as members of the Shree Ghanapathy Temple gathered to watch the procession. 

During the festival the deities of Puri Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed in ornate chariots and paraded through the streets.

Some men then role along the street where the gods have passed as an act of devotion.

Originating in India it is one of the oldest festivals in the world and is celebrated by devotees of Lord Krishna all over the world.

Luckily for those of us who missed it, Reverend Andrew Wakefield, of St Andrew's Church in Wimbledon, live-tweeted from the festival: 

A spot of rain wont stop the Chariot Festival at Effra Road Hindu temple in Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/NhCYQrLXnD

— Andrew Wakefield (@MertonAndrewLCF) July 26, 2015

Precession getting ready to leave #effraroad Shree Ghanapathy Temple should be rolling down #haydonsroad in an hour pic.twitter.com/xkgcHNhTC0

— Haydons Road SW19 (@WimbledonMerton) July 26, 2015

The Chariot Festival procession prepares to start at Effra Road Hindu temple Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/RonSggEOLi

— Andrew Wakefield (@MertonAndrewLCF) July 26, 2015

The @MayorofMerton and Mayoress at today's ChariotFestival at Effra Road Hindu temple pic.twitter.com/N5sHN2KhBB

— Andrew Wakefield (@MertonAndrewLCF) July 26, 2015

Members of Effra Road Hindu temple seeking blessings pic.twitter.com/0mlJa1xczp

— Andrew Wakefield (@MertonAndrewLCF) July 26, 2015

Spiritual devotion by community of Effra Road Hindu temple beautifully rebuilt re dedicated in January this year pic.twitter.com/oKC4UAK2Dm

— Andrew Wakefield (@MertonAndrewLCF) July 26, 2015

And the Chariot Festival returns to Effra Road Hindu temple pic.twitter.com/fJMQ1XJMfQ

— Andrew Wakefield (@MertonAndrewLCF) July 26, 2015