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Thousands Gather to Celebrate Diwali and Annakut BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, UAE

30 Oct 2022

HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan welcomed by Swami Brahmaviharidas on behalf of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj

Swami Brahmaviharidas, HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, and the Indian Ambassador HE Sanjay Sudhir, are delighted to see the Mandir site

Swami Brahmaviharidas guiding HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan through the stone columns

His Excellency is overjoyed and overawed by size of the surrounding campus and the logistics of the hundreds of carved stones, each one numbered and ready to fix

Swami Brahmaviharidas guiding His Excellency, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan through the progress of the second layer of the Mandir

HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan is fascinated and astonished at the detail of the delicate carvings of the elephants

Swami Brahmaviharidas explaining HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan the meanings behind the carvings in the Mandir

His Excellency and the Indian Ambassador marvel at the impressive marble pillars, hand carved by skilled artisans

Swami Brahmaviharidas showing HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan and the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, HE Sanjay Sudhir the entrance of the Mandir

HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan tells the craftsmen that their carvings are amazing and the Mandir will be iconic and historic

HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan impressed by the incredible beauty and intricacy of the carvings of the marble pillar

Swami Brahmaviharidas walking HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan to the Diwali and Annakut celebrations

Swami Brahmaviharidas guiding HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan through the exhibition - ‘IN THE JOY OF OTHERS’

Diwali Exhibition - HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Life Motto

7 spires corresponding with the 7 Emirates of the UAE, each displaying a quality of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Exhibition showcasing the story of the elephant and the 4 blind men, where families took pictures to respect each others view

An interactive model of the Mandir with animated videos of the complex and facilities

BAPS leadership interactions with the leadership of the Gulf Coast Countries

His Excellency signs to express his love for BAPS and the bonds of love and harmony between the UAE leadership and India, especially between cultures and communities

Over 1200 vegetarian dishes prepared by members of the community to offer to God for the Annakut

7 Spire-cakes made by community members for the Annakut each representing 7 Values of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the 7 Emirates of the UAE

An intricately designed cake of the BAPS Hindu Mandir with candies

A cake resembling The Museum of the Future in Dubai

A heart shaped candy bouquet in remembrance of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Swami Brahmaviharidas and Swami Kaivalyamurtidas performing the first Arti of the Annakut

Brahmaviharidas Swami and Kaivalyamurtidas Swami performing the first Arti of the Annakut

Women devotees singing devotional prayers on the auspicious day of Diwali

Members from the Gurudwara in Dubai sing devotional hymns for the well being of all

Devotees engrossed in singing Arti

UAE Minister of Tolerance and Co-existence, HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan gracing the occasion and wishing everyone a Happy Diwali

HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan addresses the community members

Swami Brahamviharidas showing HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan the 1,200 various dishes freshly home cooked by the community for the Annakut celebration

Swami Brahmaviharidas, Mr. Jamil Musleh, CBD Director and HE Sanjay Sudhir, Indian ambassador sharing a moment of mutual respect and love

Families listen attentively in the Kids Diwali Exhibition, as young volunteer presents the value of integrity exemplified in HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj's life

Families taking part in the Brick-by-Brick initiative to give a hand in the making of history

A small display highlighting values, achievements and interactions of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Volunteers provide over 10 types of traditional Indian snacks to the devotees