The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi marked its first patotsav, anniversary of its inauguration, with a series of prayers, celebrations and cultural performances. This momentous occasion drew more than 10,000 devotees and well-wishers from across the region to commemorate a year of spiritual enlightenment and unity.
From 6:00 a.m., more than 1,100 devotees and well-wishers participated in the sacred mahapuja ceremony in the open passage behind the mandir, offering prayers for universal peace and prosperity. The mahapuja blended technology and spirituality, with special projections on the mandir displaying the various rituals being performed.
Later, the Nashik Dhol group from Maharashtra welcomed the procession of Bhagwan Swaminarayan from the Maha Abhishek Sthan to the central dome of the mandir, filling the air with rhythmic beats and joyous fervor.
From 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., in the assembly hall, special verses were recited in honor of the birth anniversary of His Holiness Shastriji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS. The congregation of more than 2,000 people also offered appreciated the vision and generosity of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in fostering a country of love and harmony.
In the evening, the Swaminarayan Ghat transformed into a vibrant stage from where mesmerizing music and traditional dance performances rooted in the ancient Natya Shastra were presented. The 19 different performances, with troupes comprising 224 participants, captivated viewers with enthralling renditions of Madhurashtakam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam as well as traditional Marathi, Odissi, and Bengali dances. The presentations were interspersed with artis performed at six, seven and eight o’clock.
Concluding the celebrations, Brahmavihari Swami commented, "The BAPS Hindu Mandir has witnessed its first year filled will love, hope and unity. It has won awards for its architectural splendor, but its most impressive achievement is that it continues to bring people of all backgrounds together, inspiring an inclusive and harmonious society. May everyone fill their lives with love and unity for all that is around them."