ANI Abu Dhabi 

More than 10,000 devotees visited BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to celebrate its first 'Patotsav', the anniversary of its inauguration. A series of grand celebrations, prayers, and cultural performances were conducted to mark the occasion. 

The Patotsav is an auspicious date whereby sacred traditional rituals and ceremonies are invoked to honour and celebrate the anniversary of temple's Pran Pratishtha, the consecration of deities in the central shrine.  The day commenced before dawn as hundreds of devotees and volunteers arrived at 4 am on Sunday to prepare for the Mahapuja at the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the region, according to a press release. 

In the press release, Jigisha Joshi, a volunteer, explained her enthusiasm for offering service so early on her weekend, stating, "I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve our community and offer devotion in this beautiful Mandir. By serving others, is my way of offering gratitude to God."  

BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi shared glimpses of the celebration on X, "Colourful performances and devotional sounds lit up the atmosphere at the 1st Patotsav celebrations of the #AbuDhabiMandir. We extend our heartfelt prayers to the 2 Million visitors and all those who have been a part of the Mandir in various ways throughout the past year." 

More than 1,100 participants took part in this divine ceremony at 6 am offering their prayers with deep devotion. According to the press release, the Mahapuja was a truly unique experience, a blend of technology and spirituality, with special projections on the Mandir displaying various rituals, enhancing the devotional experience for all attendees.

Adding to the vibrancy of the celebrations, the Nashik Dhol team from Maharashtra delivered a powerful performance and their energetic drumming welcomed and accompanied the procession of Lord Swaminarayan from the Maha Abhishek Sthan to the central dome of the temple, the release said. 

A special recitation ceremony was held in the grand Assembly Hall from 9 am to 11 am, where verses were chanted in praise of the birth anniversary of BAPS founder Shastriji Maharaj. The congregation of more than 2,000 people also honoured UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his vision in fostering a land of love and harmony. 

Throughout the Sunday, the celebration featured mesmerizing music and traditional dance performances, deeply rooted in the ancient art of Natya Shastra, captivating audiences.