The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi marked its second Diwali and Maha Annakut with several days of heartfelt celebrations, bringing together more than 60,000 devotees and visitors from the UAE and around the world in a spirit of community, devotion, and togetherness. Many experienced Diwali for the first time, appreciating a celebration that was new yet deeply welcoming.

On 20 October, Diwali began with prayers and expressions of gratitude. Throughout the day, devotees arrived with family and friends to mark the auspicious occasion.

That evening, during Sharda Pujan, hundreds of account books were sanctified with flower petals and rice grains amid the chanting of Vedic hymns and prayers for prosperity. 

Swami Brahmaviharidas addressed the Sharda Pujan participants, “Let us begin every effort with prayer, pursue prosperity with integrity, and offer our work as seva. May knowledge guide our decisions, harmony shape our relationships, and divinity dwell in our daily duties.”

He added, “We humbly acknowledge the vision and generosity of the Rulers of the UAE, especially His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose historic decision to grant the land for this Mandir made this spiritual and cultural landmark a reality. Their support continues to inspire a shared commitment to coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect.”

On 22 October, marking the Hindu New Year, devotees arrived early to participate in the first arti of the year. An annakut of hundreds of vegetarian dishes was lovingly prepared and offered to the deities. 

Over the weekend of 25 and 26 October, thousands visited the Mandir for darshan of the Maha Annakut. Before each of the Mandir’s seven shrines, hundreds of handmade, home-cooked food offerings were arranged in the form of sacred trees from across India:

The cultural programmes in the Abhishek Mandap and at the Ganga Ghat featuring devotional singing, chanting, and classical dance, added to the spirit of celebration and unity.