The Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi celebrated its first anniversary on February 2. All photos: Baps Hindu Mandir
Anniversary celebrations drew more than 10,000 Hindu worshippers from across the country to celebrate a year since the Baps temple in Abu Dhabi was opened and added its distinctive presence to the UAE's many places of worship
Prayers, ceremonies and music and dance performances were held on Sunday to mark one year since the country’s first traditional hand carved stone and marble Hindu temple was inaugurated
Families, devotees and volunteers gathered before dawn on February 2 to take part in a day-long celebration
Abu Dhabi’s Baps Hindu temple records say 2.2 million people visited in the inaugural year
Temple authorities have praised the UAE’s leadership’s generosity in granting permission for the temple
The Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi aims to be a cultural and spiritual hub that fosters greater understanding and harmony among nations, cultures and faiths
It is the first traditional hand carved stone and marble temple in the UAE
Prayers were held at the temple throughout February 2 to mark the first anniversary
Cultural performances, music and dance celebrations from India's states marked the temple's first anniversary
Families make offerings at the temple
Anniversary celebrations drew more than 10,000 Hindu worshippers
Dance performances were held on February 2's anniversary event with the temple as a backdrop
The Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi marked its first anniversary on February 2
Worshippers pray along with their families to mark the temple's first anniversary
Indian festivals have been celebrated in the temple along with interfaith dialogues and events held on its grounds
Swami Brahmaviharidas says the temple has become a cultural and spiritual centre
Prayers were chanted and hymns sung to mark the closing of the inaugural year and the beginning of a new one
The one-year milestone brought a sense of community
The Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi welcomes people of all faith and culture
Hymns were sung by worshippers and volunteers all through the day on February to mark the one-year anniversary
The Baps Hindu temple and its community aim to be an example of harmony and inclusion
In a remarkable feat of craftsmanship and dedication, more than 2,000 sculptors in Indian villages worked for more than five years to craft the temple
