More than 980 people gathered for the Vishwa Samvadita Yagna (Vedic prayers for global harmony) at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.

The event formed part of the ‘Festival of Harmony’ – a celebration of cultural diversity and spiritual unity – organised to commemorate the historic inauguration of the new mandir. This was the first such traditional yagna taking place in the Middle East.

Seven expert priests had travelled from India to officiate the ancient ceremonial rituals. They were supported by more than 200 devotees. Indian actor Vivek Oberoi and family also participated in the yagna.

Brahmavihari Swami, leading the Mandir project under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, said, “A yagna of this significance rarely takes place outside of India. The occasion served as the perfect way to pay tribute to the Mandir’s message of global unity, a value that Mahant Swami Ji Maharaj is deeply passionate about. The peace and coexistence that was evoked throughout the morning embodied a beacon of hope for future generations that the Mandir will reinforce.”

Despite the inclement wet weather, the joyous spirits of the participants could hardly be dampened. Jayshri Inamdar, a 70-year-old devotee who had travelled from London to attend the event, said, “The rains made the historic event all the more memorable and enjoyable. Never in my lifetime have I witnessed a yagna take place in the rain! It felt especially auspicious.”