The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is set to host elaborate Diwali celebrations from October 18 to 26, welcoming devotees and visitors from across the UAE. The festival will feature daily pujas, cultural performances, and grand Annakut offerings, with the temple remaining open even on its usual Monday closure to accommodate Diwali worshippers. To manage the expected surge, visitors must register online in advance and present a QR code along with identification for entry.
The temple, which has attracted over 2 million visitors since its inauguration in February 2024, routinely hosts tens of thousands daily during major events. This year’s Diwali festivities begin with Dhanteras on October 18, including an online Dhan Puja for remote participation. Diwali itself falls on Monday, October 20, with evening prayers and spiritual programs encouraging family participation and reflection. Annakut celebrations will follow on October 22 and culminate with the grand Maha Annakut on October 25–26, featuring hundreds of beautifully arranged vegetarian dishes, thematic decorations, and donation-based offerings through Annakut Thalis Seva. Daily devotional music and dance performances will enrich the festivities throughout the week.
Recognized as a cultural and spiritual landmark, the BAPS Hindu Mandir is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, constructed with intricately carved stone and marble. Its international acclaim includes the Mondo-DR award in Florida, acknowledging its exceptional craftsmanship and immersive 12-minute audio-visual film, The Fairy Tale, which showcases the temple’s vision, construction, and historical significance. Swami Brahmaviharidas emphasized the temple’s mission of unity, peace, and cultural harmony, noting that it stands as a beacon of tolerance and spiritual connection in a divided world.
Across the UAE, other temples, including the Jebel Ali temple in Dubai, will also host Diwali prayers and ceremonies, allowing devotees to participate in a region-wide celebration of the Festival of Lights. The events highlight devotion, community bonding, and gratitude, reinforcing the festival’s spiritual and cultural importance in the Emirates.
