1 million already: UAE Baps Hindu Temple officials expect more visitors ahead of festivals

The Baps Hindu Temple in the UAE capital has recorded more than 1.3 million visitors since being inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February this year. Despite the intense heat, the temple continues to attract a number of visitors every day.

Built on land granted by President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Baps Hindu Temple is open to people from all faith from 9 am to 8 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Officials are preparing for a surge in number of visitors ahead of Navratri and Dussehra.

“Having celebrated major Indian festivals such as Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi, people feel a deep sense of belonging and genuine spirituality here,” the head of international relations for Baps told The National.

3D documentary to lure more visitors to Baps Hindu Temple

The Baps Hindu Temple authorities have also launched a 12-minute 3D film that captures the efforts of hundreds of sculptors in Indian villages as they carved pillars for months. It demonstrates the strength of a community coming together from all over India.

Similar to ancient Indian shrines, this Hindu mandir in the UAE also doesn’t use steel, iron or reinforced concrete in the construction. The sculptors have used an age-old compression construction technique, as per reports.

The documentary, titled ‘The Fairy Tale’, is being broadcast for free for a certain number of days at a small theatre set up on the temple grounds. It is likely to bring in more visitors. There is a registration system to manage the huge numbers.