Festive atmosphere at BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi as spiritual leader arrives

Festive atmosphere at BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi as spiritual leader arrives

A wave of religious fervour and a festive atmosphere has gripped the Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Mandir (temple) ahead of its inauguration on February 14. Hundreds of community members and devotees lined up at the temple to greet the spiritual leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

The prominent personality is the current spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and arrived as a state guest in Abu Dhabi on a special flight. Mahant Swami Maharaj will be leading the Vedic ceremony to inaugurate the Middle East’s first traditional stone temple.

After arriving at the Al Bateen Executive Airport from the Indian state of Gujarat, Mahant Swami Maharaj was greeted by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.

Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas, who has been overseeing the temple project under Mahant Swami Maharaj's guidance, and other temple representatives were also present.

“Welcome to the UAE. Our nation is blessed with your presence. We are touched by your kindness and we feel your prayers,” Sheikh Nahyan said.

A troupe of dancers, drummers, and chanters performed the traditional Al-Ayyala at the airport. Appreciating the warm reception, Mahant Swami Maharaj noted: “We are touched by your love and respect. The leaders of the UAE