Abu Dhabi: The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi celebrated its 2nd Anniversary marking two years of spiritual service, community connection and cultural harmony. More than 8,000 devotees and over 1,500 participants visited the ‘Mandir talks at 2’ special assembly. The strong turnout reflected the community’s deep connection to the temple and its growing role as a center for cultural and spiritual enrichment.

This year’s theme, Mandir: Our Family, Our Future, brought together community leaders, diplomats, families and children to reflect on the Mandir’s enduring role as a home of peace, values and harmony in the UAE.

The evening opened with Kirtan Bhakti performed by the BAPS volunteers and community members, setting a devotional and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees. Swami Brahmviharidas delivered the keynote address welcoming everyone on behalf of His Holiness Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, who inspired and inaugurated the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi two years ago to the day. He gave a powerful opening remark of
how the Mandir speaks to the world. Swami Brahviharidas compared the evolution of the Mandir to that of a newborn child. He explained that a baby begins to walk at
one and but only begins to speak at two, in the same way the Mandir has moved beyond its first steps and now expresses its message more widely chanting “harmony” in multiple
languages. “By the third year at the age of three, the Mandir will set you free”.

He went on to add that the mandir gave one clear message; “to the four million visitors it has welcomed in just two years, devotees, dignitaries, tourists, ambassadors and diplomats from more than one hundred countries, its message has consistently been one of harmony.”
This message was beautifully captured by the former Ambassador of Egypt when he observed a carved value panel depicting Egyptian civilization on the Mandir wall. He remarked, “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.”
Swami Brahmviharidas went on to praise the rulers of the UAE, sharing how families express deep gratitude for the Mandir and the country that made it possible. “Before, people had to travel to India; now India has come here. Families express deep gratitude to the UAE’s rulers and to the Mandir itself, saying that while the UAE once felt like a home away from home, it has now truly become home within our home.”

Following the opening address, the evening honored H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for his longstanding commitment to cultural coexistence and social unity in the UAE. In his address, he noted, “This splendid temple stands not only as a place of worship, but as a powerful symbol of shared human values.” He also emphasized the strong relationship between the UAE and India, adding, “This remarkable temple is also a powerful symbol of the deep and enduring friendship between India and the United Arab Emirates. It stands as a bridge between us, strengthening mutual understanding and deepening goodwill between our two nations.” Praising the ruler of the UAE, he said, “We are immensely proud of His Highness’s leadership, which calls on all people, of every faith, culture, and background, to look beyond our differences and recognize the fundamental unity of humankind.” He concluded with a universal message of hope, stating, “May this Mandir continue to be a source of spiritual strength, moral guidance, and community upliftment for many generations to come.”

The “Mandir Talks” programme featured a thoughtfully curated series of segments exploring the Mandir’s impact across the world, within families, across communities, and into the future.“Mandir Talks to the World” brought together international voices reflecting on the
Mandir’s universal message. H.E. Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE, described the Mandir as a place of gratitude for the Indian community, linking heritage with the future and strengthening ties between India and the UAE for generations to come. He noted that the Mandir is shaped not only by stone, but by friendship and culture, with its intricate details reflecting a shared commitment to coexistence. H.E. Patricio Broughton, Ambassador of Chile to the UAE, described the Mandir as a reflection of universal values, where respect and responsibility across faiths strengthen social cohesion and human
fraternity. Mr Udaya Indrarathna, former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE, spoke of the Mandir as a cultural bridge, shaped as much by friendship as by architecture.

“Mandir Talks to the Families” focused on live experiences, capturing how the Mandir has become a space that feels like another home. A beautifully curated interactive audiovisual conversation showcased how the Mandir brings families closer together. Parents spoke of children moving freely, elders pausing without hurry, and visitors staying longer because the space felt welcoming. Families shared that before the Mandir, celebrations were often kept within the home, while today they feel comfortable celebrating more openly, with a deeper  
sense of connection. Acts of service such as Annakut seva were highlighted as meaningful bonding moments, particularly during preparation, when families work side by side and enjoy the shared effort.

In “Mandir Talks to the Communities”, community leaders reflected on the Mandir’s role as a welcoming home for traditions, rituals and cultural identity. The discussions highlighted how the Mandir has become a unifying hub where diverse communities gather, celebrate festivals together, and preserve heritage while strengthening social bonds. Speakers noted that the Mandir fosters inclusion, simplifies community life, and provides a shared space where values, service and belonging naturally come together.

“Mandir Talks to the Future” brought forward the voices of children, whose reflections on goodness, respect and responsibility illustrated how the Mandir continues shaping young hearts with purpose, understanding and positivity. The evening concluded with a collective moment as children led the audience in four pledges, Self Positivity, Family Values,
National Harmony and Environmental Responsibility, symbolizing the Mandir’s mission to inspire individuals, strengthen families, unite communities, and cultivate a better world for future generations.

The second anniversary of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its growing role as a global symbol of harmony, peacefully housed within the UAE. Through reflections on family, community and the future, the evening highlighted how the Mandir continues to serve not only as a place of worship, but as a living space where traditions are preserved, relationships are strengthened and generations are inspired. As the Mandir enters its third year, it stands as a powerful reminder of the UAE’s commitment to coexistence and of the enduring belief that faith, service and harmony can help build a more united and hopeful world.