The recently constructed BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi had its inaugural Ramadan event, bringing together individuals from all religious and cultural backgrounds for a unique evening of spiritual reflection, conversation, and community building. The venue fully embraced the spirit of the holy month.
The Ramadan cultural event, called "Omsiyyat," was followed by suhoor prepared by volunteers of the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the area, located in Abu Mureikha, off the Abu Dhabi-Dubai expressway.
The historic interfaith gathering included Emirati ministers, a rabbi, a vicar, representatives of the Sikh and Bohra communities, heads of government departments, ambassadors, diplomats, community leaders, artists, business owners, and foreign visitors. It was held against the imposing backdrop of the magnificent architectural marvel.
The Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and the Chairman of the Department of Community Development, Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, were among those present at the event.
Sheikh Nahyan emphasized that, rather than sharing the same goal or working together, India and the UAE are bound together by a unique bond and deep connection in a world divided by conflicts.
“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.”
The BAPS Sanstha received praise from Sheikh Nahyan for organizing an interfaith event to celebrate the holy month.
Sheikh Nahyan said “This is a great opportunity for us to collectively reflect on our good fortune of living and working in the UAE. It’s also an opportunity to appreciate the significance of peace, tolerance, human fraternity, and interfaith harmony in the country”.
The BAPS Sanstha temple project's head, Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas, expressed gratitude to the ministers and leaders of the UAE for their unwavering love and support.
“This is a month of self-discipline and self-introspection. It’s a month of expressing our gratitude and generosity. It’s also a month of genuine feelings and friendship. I feel that all the blessings of all the fasting you have done, all the rituals and ceremonies and prayers you have performed, have all been collected in this premises today,” Swami Brahmaviharidas addressed the attendees.
Later, Swami Brahmaviharidas told a moral story that encouraged peace, love, and friendship.
The interfaith gathering was distinguished by lively conversations among participants that promoted a greater comprehension and admiration of the UAE's diverse environment.
Later, there were customary cultural shows, and the BAPS volunteers served delicious pure vegetarian cuisine to the guests.
