Abu Dhabi: The BAPS Hindu Mandir celebrated its second anniversary with grandeur and devotion, marking two years of spiritual service, cultural connection and community harmony in the UAE. More than 8,000 devotees attended the celebrations, while over 1,500 participants gathered for the special ‘Mandir Talks at 2’ assembly, reflecting the temple’s growing role as a centre of faith and coexistence.
This year’s theme, Mandir: Our Family, Our Future, brought together diplomats, community leaders, families and children to reflect on the Mandir’s journey and its enduring message of peace and unity.
Mandir speaks to the world
The evening began with Kirtan Bhakti performed by BAPS volunteers and community members, creating a devotional atmosphere. Swami Brahmviharidas delivered the keynote address on behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who inaugurated the Mandir two years ago.
Drawing an analogy between a newborn child and the Mandir’s growth, Swami Brahmviharidas said that while a child begins walking at one, it begins speaking at two — similarly, the Mandir has moved beyond its first steps and is now expressing its message of harmony to the world. He noted that the Mandir has welcomed nearly four million visitors from over 100 countries in just two years, consistently conveying a message of unity.
Quoting a former Ambassador of Egypt who admired a carved panel depicting Egyptian civilisation on the Mandir wall, he said: “The pyramids are great because they speak of the past. The Mandir is equally great because it speaks to the future. Without harmony, we will have no future.”
Leaders honour symbol of coexistence
The event honoured H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for his continued commitment to cultural coexistence and social unity. In his address, he described the Mandir as “a powerful symbol of shared human values” and a reflection of the deep friendship between India and the United Arab Emirates.
He emphasised that the Mandir strengthens mutual understanding and goodwill between the two nations and praised the leadership of the UAE for promoting unity among people of all faiths and backgrounds.
H.E. Dr Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE, described the Mandir as a bridge linking heritage with the future and reinforcing Indo-UAE relations. Other dignitaries, including H.E. Patricio Broughton, Ambassador of Chile, and Mr Udaya Indrarathna, former Ambassador of Sri Lanka, highlighted the Mandir’s universal appeal and cultural significance.
Families and communities at the heart
The ‘Mandir Talks’ programme featured curated segments titled Mandir Talks to the World, Mandir Talks to the Families, Mandir Talks to the Communities and Mandir Talks to the Future.
Families shared personal experiences of how the Mandir has become a second home — a welcoming space where elders reflect, children explore freely and communities celebrate festivals openly. Service activities such as Annakut seva were highlighted as bonding moments that strengthen family ties.
Community leaders noted that the Mandir has become a unifying hub where diverse traditions come together, fostering inclusion and simplifying community life.
The evening concluded with children leading the audience in four pledges — Self Positivity, Family Values, National Harmony and Environmental Responsibility — symbolising the Mandir’s commitment to shaping future generations.
A global symbol of harmony
As it enters its third year, the BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a symbol of coexistence, faith and service within the UAE. The anniversary reaffirmed its role not only as a place of worship, but as a living space where traditions are preserved, relationships strengthened and communities inspired.
The celebrations underscored the UAE’s commitment to pluralism and the shared belief that harmony and service can build a united and hopeful future.
