On 8 March 2024, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi was adorned with vibrant colours as devotees gathered in their thousands to celebrate Maha-Shivaratri, a revered occasion in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring Bhagwan Shri Shiva. This was the first Hindu festival celebrated after the Mandir’s inauguration.
The festivities began and concluded with prayers for the UAE. As thousands of devotees patiently lined the Mandir gates, there was a deep feeling of gratitude toward the leadership for their generosity.
Throughout the day, from the early hours of the morning to the late evening, pilgrims and visitors were eager to offer their reverence to their deities. The devotees found great joy, solace and spiritual connection in their prayers and traditional worship.
All visitors and volunteers were also made aware of the government’s emergency weather guidelines to help create enlightened citizens with greater social responsibility along with spiritual and cultural harmony.