Abu Dhabi: The grand premiere of the one-of-a-kind, immersive show, "The Fairy Tale," was held on 09th September at The BAPS Hindu Mandir–Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in celebrating the historic and iconic Mandir. Created by the generosity of the leadership of Abu Dhabi and the efforts of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the Mandir has already attracted over 1 million visitors from across the world in the first 100 days, demonstrating immense global admiration and support.

On its opening day alone, the Mandir welcomed a remarkable 65,000 visitors, underscoring the excitement surrounding its inauguration. This marvel of intricate stone carvings revives over 10,000 years of ancient architecture, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern eco-friendly practices, and serves as a beacon of harmony and unity.

"The Fairy Tale" Immersive Show is the result of over three months of creative concepts, scripting, visualizations, animations, and meticulous designing by an in-house BAPS Team of swamis and volunteers with selfless assistance by professional audio-visual experts. It has been brought to life using 20 video projectors and cutting- edge surround sound experience. The audience is literally transported through time and space, witnessing and experiencing all the pivotal moments; such as HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s first prayer in the deserts of Sharjah (1997), the generosity of the UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the Presidential Palace (2018), and the spiritually charged inauguration performed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2024). Visitors feel the intensity of the scorching quarries, stormy seas, and delicate carvings, immersing themselves in the collective efforts of thousands of hands and hearts from around the world who contributed to building this millennial monument.

Calling Abu Dhabi an ‘Epicenter of Harmony,’ the show unfolds a new dimension to the values of tolerance and harmony, significantly adding to the Mandir’s message of global harmony, which has already generated more than 67 billion positive digital impressions. It is bridging and bringing together cultures, communities, and countries, reflecting the global appreciation for this extraordinary place of worship.

The inaugural evening began with a short, elegant event in the sustainable environment of ‘The Orchard’ at the BAPS Hindu Mandir. In his welcome speech, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, the Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi and a key figure in guiding the project’s spiritual and cultural aspects, shared his reflections during the premiere: "We are deeply honored to unveil “The Fairy Tale”, which not only celebrates the Mandir's
‘incredible journey’ but also everyone’s ‘inner journey’. The love, support and harmony we have felt in the UAE has encouraged us to create this Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony, and the new Immersive Show will encourage every visitor to become a true Ambassador of Harmony, by spreading more harmony at home, at work, in society at large by personal intentions, interactions and actions."
 
He also emphasized the importance of the ‘5 Ps’ - “Policies which shape a nation, Places which dictate destinies, People who influence emotions, Principles that mould beliefs; but more importantly Perspectives which determine outlooks, attitudes, and mindsets. The Mandir has helped change the mindsets of visitors who feel a world of co-existence, love and harmony is possible.”

The gathering of 250 guests comprising UAE leaders, religious heads, government officials, donors, dignitaries, and successful well-wishers of various professions were also addressed by the Consul General of India in Dubai –H.E. Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan “The true Fairy Tale is the construction of the Swaminarayan Temple here in Abu Dhabi. I guess the tag line quite captures the essence of the story of the mandir. It is incredible and impossible, and it is more real, than real can ever be” and added “I am of the firm belief that India and UAE can together create a pathway for all of humankind to emulate. Let’s dedicate ourselves to spreading the message of peace because that’s the healing potion that the world desperately is in need today.”

H.E. Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Developmnent who ceremonially inaugurated the Show with Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas expressed "This immersive experience truly summarizes the values of tolerance and harmony which are very dear to our nation and very important in this world. It is incredible, inspiring, and extraordinary. The Mandir in Abu Dhabi is a beautiful example of how harmony happens and how harmony helps."

Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer of VFS Global, the generous supporter of the Show and the Premiere Event said “The show is truly a global marvel. Having travelled extensively, I can confidently say that there is nothing else like it anywhere in the world. Its uniqueness and universal appeal set it apart on a global scale, making it a remarkable experience that transcends boundaries.”
Yogesh Mehta, Vice-Chairman of BAPS Hindu Mandir said “The Fairy Tale Show is soothing, spiritual and ahead of its time. It offers both spiritual and educational content. Its visuals, artistry, and the portrayal of the temple's journey are groundbreaking. A state-of-the-art production, that will be a feast to the eyes and hearts of the
visitors.”

Fatima Al Blooshi, from The Louvre Abu Dhabi said “I enjoyed the immersive experience that vividly brought the Mandir's story to life. It was enlightening and offered a deeper insight into its history and the importance of harmony.
The Fairy Tale Immersive Show has been created by BAPS Hindu Mandir, supported by VFS Global and will be managed and operated by Utsav Events. It will open to visitors from “13th September 2024” with tickets available for purchase at AED 50 from the Utsav Events Desk at the BAPS Hindu Mandir.

Bikram Vohra, an accomplished editor and author: “The Fairy Tale immersive experience is just that and much, much more. What was seen as an impossible journey comes alive and the audio-visual tsunami washes over one in a mesmerizing drenching of the senses. This addition to a visit to the mandir will not only be a mandate but will underscore the power and majesty of tolerance and love for humanity...exactly what the mandir exemplifies and this enlightened country endorses as integral to its value system. You come out of the auditorium feeling cleansed, energized and stronger in body and mind. For sure a welcome dimension to the path of togetherness and understanding that both nations follow.”

Paras Shahdadpuri, Chairman of The Nikai Group: “This is not just a Hindu Mandir; it is a monument to harmony, peace, and unity. It embodies respect for all faiths and religions and serves as a shining example of how humanity can coexist with dignity and happiness. The film beautifully captures these values and reflects our commitment to Sarv Dharma, or universal respect for all religions. This achievement is made possible by the visionary leadership of the UAE, whose generosity and global perspective we deeply honor. Their support exemplifies the power of international collaboration in fostering a world of mutual respect and understanding.”

Mr. Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai: “The Fairy Tale" was nothing short of magical, a testament to the immense hard work and dedication that went into achieving this architectural marvel, a true wonder of the world. Every intricate detail, from the conceptualization to the execution, has been meticulously crafted, creating a historic landmark that stands as a beacon of what is possible when human effort is combined with divine inspiration. Our experience was breathtaking. We were enveloped in the warm hospitality of the organizers, enjoyed the exquisite quality of the food, and felt the powerful sense of unity among the gathering of devotees, all resonating with the sublime spirit of the Mandir. The entire evening was an unforgettable journey, leaving us in awe and deep appreciation for the monumental effort and thoughtfulness
that has gone into making this dream a reality.”

Asma Al Menhali, a UAE citizen: “It was truly a privilege to have been able to experience such a magical show. The show embodied harmony, which is a necessity to make the world a better place and grow as human beings. In a world full of conflicts, harmony and peace can be our anchor. We need to open new doors, try new keys, and harmony is the answer.”