The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi marked its first anniversary with a grand celebration and also commemorated The Year of Community – A year of unity, service, and faith – in the presence of UAE leadership, community leaders and devotees. As the patron of this event, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance, travelled directly from Portugal for this special occasion. He was joined by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court, along with 450 dignitaries, ambassadors, community and faith leaders. Additionally, over 20 members from the royal family, ministers, and UAE leadership were present.
On this special day, the Mandir welcomed 11,000 visitors in addition to over 2,000 who gathered for the special occasion, bringing the total attendance to more than 13,000 people.
Comprising six distinct segments, the program, titled ‘Mandir: The Heart of Community’, commenced in the presence of His Excellency Sanjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, His Excellency General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, and other prominent UAE dignitaries.
Following a year-in-review video, highlighting the Mandir's remarkable achievements over the past year, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan addressed the gathering. He emphasized the profound impact and significance of the Mandir in fostering unity, harmony, cultural understanding and bilateral relationships. He spoke about the Mandir’s role as a beacon of faith and service, stating, “This is a handsome Mandir that is bringing the community together.”
In the first section, Global Community, His Excellency Sanjay Sudhir, who had travelled directly from Delhi to attend, highlighted the mandir's significance in India-UAE relations, stating, “This is the most tangible form of India and UAE friendship, one that you can feel.”
The Interfaith Harmony segment featured Mufaddal Ali, a prominent businessman from the Bohra Muslim community in the UAE, who shared how the Mandir’s spirit of inclusivity inspired him to donate The Harmony Wall, the largest 3D-printed wall in the region and how it continues to foster unity across diverse communities.
In the Community Values segment, Zubin Karkaria reflected on how effortlessly the Mandir instills values in the community, specifically highlighting how it has helped to nurture timeless values and character in his children.
The Inner Strength segment was led by rising tennis star Hursh Patel, who spoke about how the Mandir has been a source of resilience in his journey, providing him with mental clarity, focus, and perseverance through its serene atmosphere and spiritual wisdom.
In the Faith segment, Umesh Raja, Head of Guest Services at the BAPS Hindu Mandir and a former international schools inspector, spoke about how the Mandir has become a sanctuary that strengthens faith – not only for devotees but for thousands of visitors who leave feeling spiritually enriched and uplifted.
In the final segment, Inner Happiness, Brahmaviharidas Swami began by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the UAE’s leadership for their generosity – not just in providing space for the Mandir, but in welcoming it with open hearts. He extended appreciation to the volunteers for their unwavering dedication and to the donors for their selfless generosity.
He highlighted the remarkable impact of the Mandir over the past year, sharing that 2.2 million visitors had walked through its doors, 1.3 million free meals had been served, and 1,000 rituals, and 20 weddings, had been performed. He spoke about how these milestones were not just numbers but a reflection of the Mandir’s deeper purpose – bringing people together, nurturing values, and spreading happiness.
Brahmaviharidas Swami highlighted how the Mandir is the heart of the community, a place that nurtures the soul and strengthens the bonds of society. He spoke about how, even after achieving everything in life, there is something one might still seek – a deeper fulfillment that cannot be bought or measured. The Mandir provides that missing element: inner happiness. By instilling values, fostering selflessness, and inspiring service, it enriches lives in a way that extends far beyond its walls.
He concluded with a heartfelt reflection: Just as a baby takes its first steps at the age of one, the Mandir has only begun to walk. When we meet next year, it will be two – and it will not only walk, but it will also begin to talk, sharing its message of peace, harmony, and happiness with the world.
The inspiring program left everyone with a deep sense of pride, happiness, and a renewed purpose.