UAE: Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu Mandir announces Diwali festivities, schedule, and visitor guidelines

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has unveiled a detailed schedule of events and guidelines for Diwali, as it prepares to host tens of thousands of visitors each day. The temple, which has become a cultural and spiritual landmark, will remain open on Monday, October 20, a day it is usually closed, to accommodate Diwali prayers and celebrations. From pujas and online rituals to grand offerings and cultural performances, here is everything you need to know.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPWqaZ3k2iX/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPWqaZ3k2iX/

Temple timings and visitor guidelines for Diwali
To manage the expected surge in visitors during the Diwali festivities, the BAPS Hindu Mandir has released an updated operational schedule and visitor protocol.

• Main Diwali Day: Monday, October 20
  
  
  
  • Temple Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Diwali Puja Timings: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Mandir Darshan (Temple Viewing): 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Although Mondays are usually non-operational days for the temple, it will remain open on October 20 to accommodate Diwali worshippers.

Visitor Registration Mandatory:

• All visitors must register online prior to arrival at mandir.ae/book-visit.
• Individual registration is required for each person.
• Upon registration, visitors will receive a QR code entry pass, which must be presented along with an identification document.
• No entry will be permitted without registration.

The temple, open to people of all nationalities and faiths, has so far received over 2 million visitors since its formal opening on February 14, 2024. During major holidays, it routinely handles over 30,000 visitors daily, with weekend footfalls ranging from 15,000 to 18,000.

Festive schedule: From Dhanteras to Maha Annakut
The Diwali season at the BAPS Mandir extends over several days, beginning with Dhanteras and continuing through post-Diwali traditions.

Key dates & events:

• Saturday, October 18 – Dhanteras
  
  
  • Online Dhan Puja: 7:20 PM – 8:20 PM
  • A virtual ceremony where families can join from home, seeking divine blessings for wealth and well-being
  • Preparation guidelines and webcast links are provided on the temple’s website.
• Monday, October 20 – Diwali
  
  
  • Theme: “Lighting the path with Love and Spirituality”
  • Evening Diwali Puja: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Visitors are encouraged to attend with family and begin the new year with prayers and spiritual reflection.
• Wednesday, October 22 – Annakut
  
  
  
  • Darshan Timings: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Annakut is a Vedic tradition where the first meal of the new year is offered to the deity as an expression of gratitude and devotion.
• Saturday & Sunday, October 25–26 – Maha Annakut
  
  
  
  • Darshan Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • A grand celebration involving the offering of hundreds of vegetarian dishes, lovingly prepared and artistically presented before the deities.
  • This year’s Maha Annakut will feature special thematic decorations including displays of sacred trees and fruits.
  • Worshippers can also contribute through Annakut Thalis Seva (donation-based offerings).

Note: Outside food is not permitted inside the temple premises.

Daily cultural performances and devotional music and dance programs will accompany the festivities starting October 18 and continuing until October 26.

Award winning landmark and global recognition
The BAPS Hindu Mandir has emerged not only as a prominent spiritual hub but also as an internationally acclaimed architectural and cultural landmark. As the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, it was constructed using intricately carved stone and marble, reflecting exceptional craftsmanship. Recently, the mandir received the prestigious Mondo-DR international award in Florida under the House of Worship category, surpassing global entries including cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues.

A key factor in its recognition was a 12-minute immersive audio-visual film titled The Fairy Tale, which showcases the vision, execution, and significance of the temple. The film also highlights the generous land grant by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the exquisite handcrafted artistry that brought the mandir to life. It is screened for visitors prior to entry, offering valuable historical and cultural context that deepens the experience.

Swami Brahmaviharidas , head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, noted the deeper message behind the temple’s presence:

“We can see around us that we are living in a fractious world where divisions are being built. However, here at the BAPS Hindu Mandir, we wish to break borders, and the message of unity in this show demonstrates more than ever that this is the need of the hour.”

He added that the temple stands as a symbol of unity, peace, and architectural excellence, contributing to the UAE’s global image as a centre of innovation and tolerance.
Other Diwali celebrations across the UAE
In addition to the grand festivities in Abu Dhabi, the popular Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai, will also host Diwali prayers and ceremonies next week. While details for the Dubai temple events have not been specified in full, devotees across the Emirates are expected to participate in the region-wide observance of the Festival of Lights, marked by devotion, gratitude, and community bonding.