Hindu temple prayer in Abu Dhabi - in pictures

  • A ceremony to mark the start of buidling work on the first floor of Baps Hindu Mandir temple in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
    A ceremony to mark the start of buidling work on the first floor of Baps Hindu Mandir temple in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
  • People arrive at the prayer ceremony to mark the construction milestone.
    People arrive at the prayer ceremony to mark the construction milestone.
  • Milk and flowers are offered during the prayers.
    Milk and flowers are offered during the prayers.
  • The first floor is part of the inner sanctum, or central shrine, that will houses the deities.
    The first floor is part of the inner sanctum, or central shrine, that will houses the deities.
  • The stone blessed in a ceremony in Abu Dhabi for a temple described as a symbol of harmony and peace.
    The stone blessed in a ceremony in Abu Dhabi for a temple described as a symbol of harmony and peace.
  • The red carpet is rolled out for more than 500 guests who joined in the prayer ceremony.
    The red carpet is rolled out for more than 500 guests who joined in the prayer ceremony.
  • Pink sandstone from India's Rajasthan state and hand-made clay bricks are natural materials being used in the construction.
    Pink sandstone from India's Rajasthan state and hand-made clay bricks are natural materials being used in the construction.
  • Residents, worshippers and officials join in chanting Sanskrit verses.
    Residents, worshippers and officials join in chanting Sanskrit verses.
  • A Hindu priest blesses people at the ceremony to mark the start of construction.
    A Hindu priest blesses people at the ceremony to mark the start of construction.
  • Preparation at the temple site off the main Sheikh Zayed Road from Dubai.
    Preparation at the temple site off the main Sheikh Zayed Road from Dubai.
  • People gather for hour-long prayers to bless a stone that will be used to build the first-floor level of the temple.
    People gather for hour-long prayers to bless a stone that will be used to build the first-floor level of the temple.