Feb was a Month of Uniting Hearts for UAE's Indian Community

During February 2024, the world witnessed a pivotal moment in history with the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi – the Middle East’s first traditional stone temple – by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. The public dedication ceremony was held in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Mandir became possible after His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, gifted 27 acres of land to BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha to construct a traditional Hindu temple. The BAPS Hindu Mandir thus stands as a timeless testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE, embodying the spirit of interfaith harmony, cultural diversity and community collaboration.

To honour this landmark occasion, a ‘Festival of Harmony’ was organised, inviting members of the wider community to a series of uplifting programmes and events focussed on strengthening faith, mobilising community service, and inspiring harmony among people of all generations and backgrounds. 
The highlights of these celebrations are as below.

5 February 2024: His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Arrival 

The excitement commenced with the arrival of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and creator of the BAPS Hindu Mandir. At the airport, His Excellency Sheikh NahayanMabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE, warmly welcomed him as a state guest. His Excellency expressed, “Welcome to the UAE. Our nation is graced by your presence. Your kindness and prayers deeply touch us.” In response, Mahant Swami Maharaj graciously replied, “We are moved by your affection and respect. The leaders of the UAE exemplify greatness, goodness, and magnanimity.”

In recognition of his esteemed status, Mahant Swami Maharaj received a traditional Arabic welcome with performances by dancers, drummers, and chanters, showcasing the Al-Ayyala, typically reserved for significant occasions. 

Brahmaviharidas Swami, overseeing the Mandir project under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, described the Mandir as a spiritual haven promoting global harmony and honouring both the past and the future. He emphasized its significance as a testament to the spiritual legacy of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the amicable relations between the UAE, India, and BAPS leadership.

11 February 2024: Yagna for Harmony

More than 980 people gathered for the Vishwa Samvadita Yagna (Vedic Prayers for Global Harmony) as part of the Festival of Harmony.

During the yagna – the first of its kind in the Middle East – spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and members of the community prayed for peace, harmony, and the well-being and success of everyone in the UAE and across the world.

BrahmaviharidasSwami explained, “A yagna of this significance rarely takes place outside of India. The occasion served as the perfect way to pay tribute to the Mandir’s message of global unity, a value that His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is deeply passionate about. The peace and coexistence that was evoked throughout the morning embodied a beacon of hope for future generations that the Mandir will reinforce.”  

14 February 2024: Mandir Inauguration and visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi

In the morning, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the Vedic consecration ceremony of the iconic new BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Then, in the afternoon the public Dedication Assembly was held in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the eminent Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE, His Excellency Sheikh NahayanMabarak Al Nahyan.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, the UAE has written a golden chapter in the history of humanity through this Mandir.The BAPS Hindu Mandir is for all of humanity. So I have every faith that the Mandir will usher in a new age of faith and hope, bringing the whole world together in harmony and collaboration.“The magnificent Mandir that we see today in Abu Dhabi is because it was first envisioned years ago [in 1997] by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Today, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s heart will be glowing with joy at its fruition."

Modi added, “We must also thank my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan [the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi], because it is his generosity that has made possible a mandir so beautiful and magnificent. On behalf of all Indians, I thank Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the UAE Government.”

The Prime Minister then requested a standing ovation from the audience as an expression of heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sharing his sentiments on this momentous occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan first thanked Prime Minister Modi for visiting the UAE. “We are proud to welcome a great friend from a great and friendly country.” 

The Tolerance and Coexistence Minister also welcomed His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and thanked him for building the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. He said, “Today marks the beginning of something special. The new Mandir will serve as both a place of worship and as a community centre for all.” 

After introducing Mahant Swami Maharaj as “a powerful advocate for human harmony” and “a renowned global leader whose teachings are a source of spirituality, inspiration, and joy,” Sheikh Nahayan added, “Your visit, Your Holiness, is an opportunity for us to marvel at your example in working cooperatively to resolve conflicts between different communities and to build a spirit of tolerance as a gateway to understanding, mutual respect, and peace.”

In his blessings, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasised the importance of the new Mandir as “an abode of love, peace and harmony.” He then explained, “Harmony can be achieved when we do not expect harmony from others, but instead when we strive for harmony ourselves. For that, we must ask ourselves: ‘What can I do, what can I say, and what can I think to nourish harmony?’” His Holiness added, “Harmony is the power of God, and humility is the way of God. With this understanding, we can serve humanity.” He went on to pray for the prosperity, progress, and peace of the UAE, India, and the world.

15 February 2024: Day of Harmony

The event was graced by leading representatives from the major religions of the world: His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Spiritual Leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha; Rabbi David Rosen, Special Advisor to the Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi; His Eminence Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of the Catholic Vicariate of Southern Arabia; His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Alzaid, Deputy Secretary-General of the Muslim World League; Swami AvdheshanandGiri Ji Maharaj, President of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha; Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji, Spiritual Leader of the Namdhari Sikh Community; and Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President & Spiritual Director of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.

They were joined by Bawa Jain, Secretary General of the World Council of Religious Leaders. Compèring the proceedings was His Excellency Omar SaifGhobash, UAE Ambassador to the Holy See, Assistant Minister of Cultural Affairs for the UAE, and Religious Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

All participants voiced their admiration for how His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired the BAPS Hindu Mandir, a spiritual sanctuary where people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds are welcome to learn, benefit and contribute.

His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Alzaid, Deputy Secretary General of the Muslim World League, from Mecca in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of coexistence and peaceful behaviour. He stated, “For social and spiritual harmony, we should co-exist and behave peacefully with each other.”

Rabbi David Rosen, from Jerusalem, and Special Advisor to the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, reminisced about his interactions with His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi. He recalled his joy in witnessing the inauguration of the BAPS mandir in Chicago in 2004 and expressed his delight for the wonderful Abu Dhabi Mandir.

16 February 2024: Day of Civilization

The Day of Civilization, based on the theme ‘One World, One Culture, One Story at a Time’, celebrated cultural diversity. The event highlighted the beauty and significance of each culture’s unique contribution to the shared story of humanity.

The Day of Civilization brought together individuals from over 30 countries to appreciate and explore the different values depicted along the walls of the BAPS Hindu Mandir through sculpted stories from diverse civilizations, including African, Arabian, Aztec, Egyptian, Eskimo, Indian, Mayan, Mesopotamian and Native American.. The stories from these civilizations permanently embedded in the Mandir are a testament to preserving and promoting the values that bind humanity together.

The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Swami Shri Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, Jagadguru Sri Dr NirmalanandnathaMaha Swami Ji, Shri ParamatmanandSaraswati ji, ChinnaJeeyar Swami Ji, His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulla Buali, and American author Dr David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri).

Esteemed guest, David Frawley expressed his delight at the mandir, emphasizing its role in bringing civilizations together. He stated “It’s a great experience to see this mandir, which brings two civilizations together.”

ChinnaJeeyar Swami also acknowledged the fulfilment of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s wish by Mahant Swami Maharaj, highlighting the significance of unity and service. “All those who have offered their service in this mandir have served not just the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, but the entire Sanatan Dharma and the country of India. We have heard of lotus flowers growing in lakes, but never before has a lotus bloomed in a desert. This is indeed remarkable and can only be done by Mahant Swami Maharaj.”

Jagadguru Sri Dr NirmalanandnathaMaha Swami Ji  additionally expressed, “Albert Einstein mentioned that we have been able to split an atom before getting the wisdom of being able to unite the hearts of humans. Millions of people will benefit from this Mandir. May all hearts unite.”

17 February 2024: Day of Peace

The value of peace is at the core of the Mandir and close to the heart of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Hence, in his esteemed presence, distinguished guests presided over a special assembly to share their wisdom on how to attain peace through various facets of life. 

The speakers included Honourable Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, Former Chief Justice of India; Kailash Satyarthi, Indian social reformer and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Winner; Padmabhushan Dr Tejas M Patel, Chairman and Chief Interventional Cardiologist at Apex Heart Institute, Ahmedabad, India; Bhavish Agarwal, entrepreneur and co-founder of Ola Cabs and founder of Ola Electric; and Umang Bedi, co-founder of VerSe Innovation and Dailyhunt.

Vivek Oberoi, a renowned Indian actor and producer, hosted the assembly, introducing the eminent panel of speakers who provided enlightening perspectives on peace.

Kailash Satyarthi shared his insight about peace through child development. “Let us march together. No one should be left behind. We need to learn to walk together.”

Bhavish Aggarwal spoke about peace through the environment. “We don’t seek peace; we are the peace by thinking of the world as one family.”

Speaking about peace through health and wellbeing, Dr Tejas Patel said that to achieve peace, one must give back to humanity by volunteering and preserving mental health. “Peace is a state of mind and can only exist in a conflict-free mind. What is the need of the hour? Universal peace.”

18-20 February 2024: Blood Donation Drive

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and its international partners conduct blood donation drives across its centres worldwide alongside local blood banks and hospitals. Coinciding with special local causes and special events, BAPS is able to garner great support and donors for this worthy cause.
Alongside the Festival of Harmony, BAPS Hindu Mandir organised a blood drive in partnership with Aster Clinic. More than 500 visitors registered for this worthy initiative. 

21 February 2024: Day of Inspiration

The ‘Day of Inspiration’ celebrated the pivotal role of women in uplifting society and their invaluable contributions to humanity. Organised and delivered by the women’s wing of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, more than 2,000 women of all ages attended and benefited from this special assembly. 

The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Sadhvi Saraswati Bhagwati, a renowned spiritual leader, author, and motivational speaker based in Rishikesh, India. Other distinguished guests included Vandana Sudhir, wife of the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, who has over thirty years of experience in the field of education, and Poonam Bhojani, founding CEO of Innoventures Education.

Sadhvi Saraswati Bhagwati expressed, “This Mandir is a testament to ‘Bhakti ki shakti’ (the strength of devotion). It serves as a symbol of global harmony, akin to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. The whole [of this Mandir] is greater than the sum of its parts, and it can be seen in everyone coming together for this Mandir.”

Vandana Sudhir shared, “This Mandir has connected different cultures and religions making this world a better place. What can be a better place than here to inspire unity and love in society?”

Poonam Bhojani stated a personal teaching in her address. “My father used to teach me to work without expectations. This is the first time I have seen it in action here at the BAPS Hindu Mandir, where every individual has served without any expectation. This is true service with compassion.”

25 February 2024: Community Procession

A grand, colourful procession with over 1,100 people, including members of the local community in Abu Dhabi, was held on Sunday 25February on the grounds of the new BAPS Hindu Mandir. Known as a ‘Palkhi Yatra’, such vibrant devotional processions usually precede or follow the opening of a new Hindu temple.
During the Palkhi Yatra, the murtis (sacred images of the deities consecrated in the seven main shrines of the temple) were ceremoniously placed on decorated palanquins and carried around the temple, to bestow blessings to the community. 

Diasporic communities in the UAE representing north, south, east, west and central India participated in the procession wearing their traditional Indian attire and performing traditional devotional music and singing. Each carried a palanquin with sacred images of the various deities popular in their respective regions of India. It was the first time that such a pan-Indian procession had taken place.

Lina Barot, from the North Indian community in the UAE, shared, “It was a profound experience joining the community celebrations today. I’ve never seen so much devotional joy and colour as we danced around the mandir. We have to thank the BAPS Mandir for opening their hearts to all of us and making everyone feel welcome at this mandir. We truly feel it is our mandir. And all that is thanks to the guru, Mahant Swamiji Maharaj.”

Contact
For Media inquiries, please email press@mandir.ae.
Stay connected through X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Telegram @abudhabimandir.