Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi marked its first anniversary of its inauguration (Patotsav). This momentous occasion drew more than 10,000 devotees and well-wishers.

Swami Brahmavihari performed the pujan of Akshar Purushottam Maharaj. Swami Paramsankalp of Bhagwan Shiva and Parvati Ji, Swami Varniswarup of Bhagwan Shri Jagannath, Subhadra ji and Balbhadra ji. Swami Uttamnilay of Shri Krishna and Radha ji, Swami Paritosh of Bhagwan Shrinivas and Padmavati ji. Swami Divyakirtan of Swami Ayyappa ji, Swami Sarvajit of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Sita ji and Swami Atmavatsal performed the pujan of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan.

Consul General of India Satish Sivan, Surender Kandhari and Vijay Karia were among those who performed the Maha Abhishek. Hundreds of devotees participated in the sacred mahapuja ceremony and prayers for universal peace. The Nashik Dhol group from Maharashtra welcomed the procession of Bhagwan Swaminarayan from the Maha Abhishek Sthan. People appreciated the vision and generosity of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in fostering a country of love and harmony.

At the Swaminarayan Ghat, 224 participants captivated viewers with Madhurashtakam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, traditional Marathi, Odissi and Bengali dances besides Bhangra of Punjab.

Brahmavihari Swami said, "The BAPS Hindu Mandir has witnessed its first year filled with love, hope and unity. It has won awards for its architectural splendour, but its most impressive achievement is that it continues to bring people of all backgrounds together, inspiring an inclusive and harmonious society. May everyone fill their lives with love and unity for all that is around them."