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- Published: February 19, 2025 10:42
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi celebrated its first anniversary with a grand and heartwarming ceremony dedicated to the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’. The event was attended by UAE leaders, community leaders, and thousands of devotees, marking a year of unity, service, and spiritual upliftment.
On this momentous occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance, arrived directly from Portugal to attend, accompanied by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahayan, Special Affairs Advisor at the Presidential Court.
Over 450 dignitaries, ambassadors, government officials, and religious leaders joined more than 300 community leaders and thousands of devotees as the temple welcomed over 13,000 visitors in a single day.
The annual event, “Mandir: The Heart of the Community,” commenced at 4:30 PM, featuring a distinguished gathering of global and community visionaries. The ceremony honored the temple’s role in fostering faith, harmony, and cultural understanding.
A year in review video showcased the temple’s remarkable achievements:
● 2.2 million visitors welcomed
● 1.3 million free meals lovingly served
● 1,000 religious ceremonies and 20 weddings solemnized
As Swami Brahmaviharidasji eloquently expressed, these numbers are not merely statistics but represent a deeper purpose – bringing people together, nurturing timeless values, and spreading joy within communities.
Global Community: His Excellency Sanjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, hailed the temple as ‘a manifestation of the friendship between India and the UAE.’
Interfaith Harmony: Muffadal Ali of the Bohra Muslim community shared how the temple’s inclusive spirit inspired him to contribute the region’s largest 3D-printed wall.
Community Values: Jubin Kakadia highlighted how the temple naturally instills strong values in children and families.
Inner Strength: Tennis star Harsh Patel emphasized the temple’s role in fostering resilience and focus.
Faith and Service: Umesh Raja described the temple as a sacred space enriching countless lives through spiritual wisdom.
Inner Joy: Swami Brahmaviharidas reminded everyone that beyond success and achievements, the temple offers something invaluable – selfless service, inspiration, and true inner contentment.
As the evening concluded, guests departed with a renewed sense of pride and purpose, gazing at the desert sky, perhaps pondering that tonight, the brightest lights shone not above, but within their hearts.
About the BAPS Hindu Mandir:
A marvel of traditional Indian architecture and modern sustainability practices, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi stands as a beacon of peace, friendship, and faith. Open to all backgrounds, it inspires unity and compassion while strengthening the cultural bridge between India and the UAE.
For more information, please visit mandir.ae or contact [email protected].
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