BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi to Host Grand Diwali Celebrations from October 18

BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi to Host Grand Diwali Celebrations from October 18

Introduction

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, is set to host grand Diwali celebrations from October 18 to October 26, 2025. The festivities, organised by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, aim to bring together the Indian diaspora and devotees from across the Gulf region in a shared celebration of faith, culture, and community.

I. Key Details of the Celebration

1. Commencement – Dhanteras (October 18):
   • The celebrations begin with Dhanteras, featuring a special online Dhan Puja, enabling families across the region and beyond to participate virtually.
   • The puja focuses on invoking blessings for prosperity, well-being, and spiritual renewal.
2. Main Diwali Day (October 20):
   • The Mandir will remain open exclusively for devotees on Diwali Day, allowing visitors to offer prayers and light diyas in a spiritually charged environment.
   • A Diwali Puja will be conducted at the temple, with mandatory registration for attendees to ensure orderly participation.
   • The day will also feature cultural programs, devotional singing, and community engagement activities reflecting the essence of unity in diversity.
3. Annakut Celebration (October 22):
   • Following Diwali, the Mandir will observe Annakut, a Vedic ritual symbolising gratitude and the offering of the first meal of the New Year to deities.
   • The offerings signify abundance, gratitude, and the renewal of life’s spiritual purpose.
4. Maha Annakut (October 25–26):
   • The celebrations will culminate with the Maha Annakut, showcasing a magnificent display of hundreds of vegetarian dishes prepared by volunteers.
   • This grand offering symbolises collective devotion and selfless service, embodying the principles of seva (service) and samp (harmony) central to the BAPS philosophy.

II. Institutional and Cultural Significance

1. About BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi:
   • Inaugurated as the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, the BAPS Mandir stands as a landmark of interfaith harmony and cultural pluralism.
   • Constructed with intricate craftsmanship inspired by ancient temple architecture, it serves as a bridge between Indian heritage and the UAE’s inclusive ethos.
2. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha:
   • A UN-affiliated international Hindu fellowship, BAPS is active in over 100 countries, with more than 1 million members and 80,000 volunteers.
   • The organisation’s activities encompass spiritual education, humanitarian service, and cultural outreach, promoting values of peace, coexistence, and compassion.
3. Cultural Diplomacy:
   • The celebration underscores the deepening India–UAE cultural partnership, highlighting shared values of tolerance, mutual respect, and community engagement.
   • It reinforces the UAE’s position as a hub of religious inclusivity and cultural dialogue, aligning with its vision of global harmony.

III. Broader Significance

1. Diaspora Connect:
   • For the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf, the temple’s celebration provides a spiritual and emotional anchor, strengthening cultural identity abroad.
2. Soft Power and Intercultural Understanding:
   • Such initiatives advance India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power, presenting Hindu philosophy and traditions as universal values of peace and service.
3. Community Integration:
   • The event encourages community volunteering and service, reinforcing collective participation and intercultural engagement in the region.

V. Analytical Perspective

The BAPS Hindu Mandir’s Diwali celebration in Abu Dhabi stands as a powerful symbol of spiritual continuity and cultural diplomacy. In a region historically dominated by Abrahamic faiths, the temple embodies a milestone in interfaith harmony, supported by the progressive policies of the UAE leadership.From a socio-cultural lens, the event transcends religious ritualism—it becomes a celebration of India’s pluralist ethos and a reaffirmation of universal values of light, knowledge, and goodness. Furthermore, the temple’s global outreach reflects the evolving role of the Indian diaspora as cultural ambassadors contributing to mutual understanding and cooperation in an interconnected world.

VI. Conclusion

The upcoming Diwali celebrations at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi represent more than a festival of lights; they signify a confluence of faith, diplomacy, and cultural unity. By bringing together people of diverse backgrounds in a spirit of peace and devotion, the temple reinforces the timeless message that spiritual traditions, when practiced with openness and inclusivity, can illuminate not just homes—but hearts and nations alike.

Updated - October 13, 2025 6:57 PM | News On Air