Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi Marks First Maha Shivratri Festival

Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi Marks First Maha Shivratri Festival

The first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked a significant milestone by celebrating its first festival, Maha Shivratri, on Friday. This auspicious occasion came almost a month after the temple’s inauguration in Abu Dhabi, drawing a large number of devotees from different parts of the Gulf nation to offer their prayers at the BAPS temple.

Managed by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the temple was officially opened on February 14 in a ceremony attended by Hindu saints, Mahant Swami ji Maharaj, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The vibrant celebrations for Shivratri saw the temple adorned with colorful decorations as thousands of devotees gathered to partake in the festivities.

The day started with prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva and culminated in a ‘havan’ ritual. Devotees flocked to the temple throughout the day, eagerly waiting in line for a glimpse of the deity. Many attendees expressed their awe at the grandeur and magnificence of the recently constructed BAPS Hindu mandir after offering their prayers.

Maha Shivratri, an annual Hindu festival, holds great significance as devotees consider it the most sacred day for worshipping Lord Shiva. Traditionally, followers collect water from the holy River Ganga to offer to the deity, symbolizing purification and devotion.

The celebration at the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi marked a special occasion for the local Hindu community, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and spiritual practices that continue to thrive in the UAE.

Keywords: Hindu temple, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Maha Shivratri, celebration, BAPS, Abu Dhabi, festival, Lord Shiva, devotees, worship, rituals, cultural heritage, spiritual practices

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