Sir David Beckham is given a traditional Hindu welcome as former footballer arrives in
Sir David Beckham was afforded a welcome befitting local royalty as his charitable trip to India continued on Friday.
Britain’s newest knight of the realm is in Mumbai to fulfill his latest commitment as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He also visited Education Above All, a Qatari based foundation that aims to provide ‘quality education and employment opportunities’ to children living in impoverished communities across the world.
After a four hour visit to a local school, Beckham, 50, was greeted with a floral bouquet and accompanying aarti ritual, a Hindu ritual of worship that typically involves chanting, the lighting of incense and waving of lighted lamps before a deity.
Rounding off the welcome, the former Manchester United and England footballer’s forehead was adorned with a Hindu tika – a red spot frequently used during special occasions and religious ceremonies.
A keen cook, Beckham was also given a lesson in the preparation of Dal Ki Chaat, a high-protein Indian street food snack during his latest public appearance in the country.
Taking to Instagram, the retired footballer shared a video of his welcome ceremony with the accompanying caption: ‘So touched by everyone’s kindness… Thank you for my traditional welcome and Dal Ki Chaat lessons. Making some beautiful memories in Mumbai.’
Sir David Beckham was afforded a welcome befitting local royalty as his charitable trip to India continued on Friday
Britain’s newest knight of the realm is in Mumbai to fulfill his latest commitment as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and visit charitable foundation Education Above All
At the Cooperage Football Grounds in Mumbai, Beckham met 12-year-old Khushi and 10-year-old Rohit, who found their calling in football, enabling them to learn life skills while giving them confidence, joy and a sense of belonging.
‘I was always very quiet and withdrawn. Playing football helped me to open up and communicate better,’ said Khushi. ‘I learnt how to interact with others and make decisions.’
Beckham also met with young children from a UNICEF-supported project which aims to make Mumbai a better place to live and play with every citizen coming together to support their community.
He said: ‘I am humbled by the drive, resilience and passion of the children and young people I met today who are fighting for change at an early age and having a say in their future.
‘They are truly inspirational and have conquered many challenges to be where they are today.
‘Their journey is an important reminder that we must continue investing in children and young people.’
UNICEF India Representative, Cynthia McCaffrey, added: ‘As UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador for the last 20 years, Sir David Beckham has consistently brought attention to the world’s children and the most pressing challenges they face.
‘He is an inspiration for children in India and across the world and his appreciation will encourage them to pursue their dreams and motivate them to reach their full potential.’
After a four hour visit to a local school, Beckham was greeted with a floral bouquet and accompanying aarti ritual, a Hindu ritual of worship
A keen cook, Beckham was also given a lesson in the preparation of Dal Ki Chaat, a high-protein Indian street food snack during his latest public appearance in the country
On Thursday, Beckham was treated to a welcome dance after arriving at a local school in Visakhapatnam, where he appeared to be in his element while getting involved in a series of activities, among them a one-touch football tutorial.
The former footballer proved he’s lost none of his impressive skills while juggling a football on his shoulders, before offering a helping hand as the kids set to work planting trees in the school garden.
Beckham, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was on hand to observe the impact Education Above All’s collaborative Project-Based Learning (PBL) programme has had on local students.
The initiative, managed in partnership with Mantra4Change, aims at improving education across Indian states Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Nagaland.
‘It gives us great joy that Sir David Beckham chose to visit one of our MJP schools, P. Madhavi Latha, secretary, MJPAPBCWREIS, told The Hindu.
‘His presence at our school in a place like Kothavalasa is a reminder that when we work with the right intent and dedication, extraordinary things can happen.’
Beckham quietly observed students led discussions before he was walked through through an exhibition of English, Mathematics and Science projects, created by local children.
At the Cooperage Football Grounds in Mumbai, Beckham met 12-year-old Khushi and 10-year-old Rohit, who found their calling in football
Beckham was visiting local children during his second day in Mumbai with UNICEF
Beckham also met with children from a UNICEF-supported project which aims to make Mumbai a better place to live and play with every citizen coming together to support their community
He was later involved in a tree-planting ceremony, where pupils explained how saplings can be scanned and labelled with the aid of digital identifiers.
Beckham’s four-hour visit also included a trip to the school library, where he sat in on a reading circle as children discussed their favourite books.
The former footballer’s involvement in the initiative comes after it was announced that he will support horticulturist and TV presenter Frances Tophill as she designs a space for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Beckham will be involved in the project as an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, which is working with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to create the garden.
Named The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, it aims to encourage visitors to discover the joy of getting curious about gardening and the vital contribution plants make to the health of people, places and the planet.
On Thursday, Beckham appeared to be in his element while getting involved in a series of activities at a local school, among them a one-touch football tutorial
The former footballer also offered a helping hand as the kids set to work planting trees in the school garden.
Beckham, who has shared his interest in gardening on social media, said: ‘My love for the countryside started when I was a child visiting my grandparents.
‘I’ve experienced how rewarding gardening can be and that’s why I’m looking forward to working with The RHS and The King’s Foundation on their Curious Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
‘I hope we inspire people to get outside into nature and to try something new.’
Gardeners’ World presenter Tophill said: ‘I’m thrilled to be working with everyone involved to bring my first Chelsea garden to life and really explore my own curiosity about plants and their vital role in bringing health to people and to planet.’
Broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh will also be involved in the project for the flower show, which runs from May 19 to 23.