New Delhi: The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February, hosted more than 200 leaders and individuals from various religious and cultural backgrounds for an interfaith event named ‘Omsiyyat’ during the sacred month of Ramzan.
The event drew leaders and community members from a tapestry of faiths and backgrounds, including dignitaries such as Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE minister of tolerance and coexistence; Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, minister of state for foreign trade; and Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, chairman of the department of community development.
Rabbi Jeff Berger from the Abrahamic Family House, Rabbi Levi Duchman, Father Lalji M. Philip from the Church of South India Parish, and leaders from the Bahá’í community were also among those in attendance. From India, actor Vivek Oberoi took part in the event.
Expressing his emotions on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) Oberoi posted: “Standing amidst the grandeur of the newly opened temple in Abu Dhabi, I was overwhelmed with emotion, and now it is a place I long to frequent. With 7 Shikhars commemorating the 7 emirates of UAE in its architecture, it is truly a divine symbol of our gratitude towards each other.”
Sometime ago I got to share my humble thoughts at The Festival of Harmony, which celebrates the first of its kind, historic and iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Standing amidst the grandeur of the newly opened temple in Abu Dhabi, I was overwhelmed with emotion, and now is… pic.twitter.com/qc3IuHUxFY
— Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) April 1, 2024
Meanwhile, Sheikh Nahyan commended the BAPS for organising an interfaith event to commemorate the sacred month of Ramzan. He emphasised the special bond and strong connection between India and the UAE in a world marked by division and conflict and also highlighted the importance of common purpose and cooperation.
“The India-UAE relations are based on many common interests and values. We cherish our friendship with the people of India and look forward to enhancing and strengthening this wonderful relationship now and in the future,” he said during the event.
BAPS Mandir is the first traditional Hindu temple built on the sands of Abu Dhabi, which was inaugurated on 14 February in the presence of PM Modi, BAPS president Mahant Swami Maharaj and various dignitaries from the UAE.
The temple’s inception dates back to a vision by Pramukh Swami Maharaj — the spiritual leader of the worldwide Hindu organisation BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha — in April 1997, aiming to strengthen international, cultural, and interfaith connections.
Constructed on a 27-acre plot donated by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the temple has been projected as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to interfaith harmony.
Since 1971, Hindus have been integral to the UAE’s cultural mosaic, necessitating a place of worship that reflects their heritage.
The community has sustained its faith through regular satsang and guidance from spiritual leaders — fostering a sense of belonging and protection. This collective spirit culminated in the realisation of the BAPS Hindu Mandir.
According to a BAPS spokesperson, “The lead architect of the BAPS Hindu Temple is a Catholic Christian, the project manager a Sikh, the foundational designer a Buddhist, the construction company a Parsi group, and the director comes from the Jain tradition.”
The ‘Omsiyyat’ event celebrated these values, facilitating engaging discussions and cultural appreciation among attendees. The evening concluded with traditional performances and sumptuous vegetarian cuisine, courtesy of BAPS volunteers.
(Edited by Richa Mishra)
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