BAPS Hindu Mandir Celebrates Its First Anniversary in UAE
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Synopsis
On February 17, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi celebrated its first anniversary with a grand event, in line with the UAE’s Year of Community. The gathering saw UAE leadership, dignitaries, faith leaders, and countless devotees coming together.
Key Takeaways
- BAPS Hindu Mandir celebrated its first anniversary.
- Aligned with the UAE's Year of Community.
- Over 13,000 visitors attended the event.
- Significant contributions to interfaith unity and community service.
- Mandir welcomed 2.2 million visitors in the past year.
Abu Dhabi, Feb 17 (NationPress) The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi commemorated its first anniversary with a spectacular event, coinciding with the UAE’s Year of Community. The celebration united UAE leadership, dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and thousands of worshippers.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance, made a special trip from Portugal to serve as the event’s patron. He was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court, along with 450 dignitaries, ambassadors, and government officials. Notably, over 20 members of the royal family and 300 community leaders participated, with the Mandir welcoming more than 13,000 visitors, including 2,000 for the special ceremony.
Themed “Mandir: The Heart of Community,” the program began at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, honoring the Mandir’s influence alongside esteemed leaders and visionaries. Key attendees included His Excellency Sanjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE; His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; and His Excellency General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police. Prominent figures acknowledged the Mandir’s role in promoting faith, harmony, and community service.
The event commenced with a year-in-review video highlighting the Mandir’s accomplishments. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan addressed the audience, underscoring the Mandir’s significance in fostering unity, cultural understanding, and enhancing bilateral relations. “This is a beautiful Mandir that is uniting the community,” he stated.
The celebration unfolded in six segments, each embodying the core values championed by the Mandir.
His Excellency Sanjay Sudhir, who journeyed from Delhi, emphasized the Mandir’s importance in India-UAE relations, describing it as “the most tangible form of India and UAE friendship.”
Mufaddal Ali, a noted Bohra Muslim businessman, expressed how the Mandir’s inclusiveness inspired him to contribute the region’s largest 3D-printed wall, reinforcing interfaith unity.
Zubin Kakaria highlighted how the Mandir instills enduring values in children, promoting character development and societal upliftment.
Emerging tennis star Hursh Patel credited the Mandir’s tranquil environment and spiritual insights for improving his focus and resilience.
Umesh Raja, Head of Guest Services at the Mandir and a former international school inspector, described the Mandir as a sanctuary that fortifies faith for all visitors.
Swami Brahmaviharidas expressed appreciation to the UAE leadership, volunteers, and benefactors, spotlighting the Mandir’s contributions. Over the past year, it welcomed 2.2 million visitors, provided 1.3 million free meals, performed 1,000 rituals, and hosted 20 weddings. He underscored that these milestones reflect the Mandir’s deeper mission -- uniting people and spreading joy.
“Even after achieving everything in life, one might seek something deeper. The Mandir provides that missing element -- inner happiness,” he shared.
Swami Brahmaviharidas concluded with a poignant reflection: “Just as a baby takes its first steps at one, the Mandir has only begun its journey. By next year, it will not only walk but also speak, sharing its message of peace, harmony, and joy with the world.”
As the event drew to a close, attendees exited the Pramukh Sabha Hall, reflecting on an evening filled with pride, purpose, and inspiration. Beneath the expansive desert sky, the Mandir radiated brightly -- not just in its physical form, but in the hearts of those who gathered to celebrate its journey.
