BAPS Hindu Festivals in Abu Dhabi: Complete Guide to Celebrations, Temple Events, Darshan and Visiting the Mandir

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has become a spiritual and cultural home for Hindus across the United Arab Emirates and for devotees visiting from around the world. Located in Abu Mureikhah and inaugurated on 14 February 2024, the traditional stone mandir brings families together for darshan, aarti and the great festivals of the Hindu year, from Diwali and Annakut to Janmashtami, Ganesh Utsav and Raksha Bandhan.

This guide covers the festivals celebrated at the mandir, what happens at each, and how to plan a visit from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the other Emirates. For the mandir's history and architecture, see our BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi temple guide.

BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi at a glance

• Address: P6 Al Taf Road (E16), Abu Mureikhah, Abu Dhabi (Exit 366 on Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road, E11)
• Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; closed on Mondays
• Ganga Aarti: 7:30 PM on weekdays; 6:45 PM and 7:30 PM on weekends and holidays
• Entry: free, but advance registration is mandatory for every visitor
• Phone: +971 2 556 1982
• Official sites: mandir.ae and baps.org/abudhabi

Festival days can have special timings, so always check the official site before travelling.

The mandir: a spiritual landmark in the UAE

The mandir belongs to the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide Hindu spiritual organisation. Built in traditional Hindu architectural style, it stands for devotion, craftsmanship and peaceful coexistence, and welcomes visitors of every faith who follow its guidelines. Daily life at the mandir includes darshan, morning and evening aarti, the Ganga Aarti, satsang and discourses, children's and youth programmes, and community service.

Major Hindu festivals at BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi

Diwali, the Festival of Lights

Diwali is the mandir's biggest celebration of the year, with Lakshmi and Ganesh puja, Sharda (Chopda) Pujan for prosperity in work and business, illuminated decorations and devotional programmes. In 2026 the mandir held a five-day Festival of Lights from 6 to 10 November, opening specially on Monday 9 November. UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan attended and lit the "Unity of Lights", seven beams representing the seven Emirates. Read the full report: Sheikh Nahyan attends Diwali at BAPS Hindu Mandir. For dates and puja timings in the city, see Diwali 2026 in Abu Dhabi.

Annakut, the mountain of food

Annakut, held after Diwali on the new year's day, is one of the most beloved Swaminarayan traditions. Devotees prepare and arrange hundreds of vegetarian dishes as an offering to Bhagwan, expressing gratitude for food and nature, devotion, humility and the joy of sharing. See also Govardhan Puja and Annakut 2026 in the UAE.

Janmashtami, the birth of Shri Krishna

Janmashtami draws some of the mandir's largest crowds, with special Krishna darshan, the midnight Janmotsav, kirtan and bhajans, children's performances and special aarti. The 2025 celebrations drew more than 15,000 devotees over two days, according to BAPS. For families in the UAE, it is a chance to share the Bhagavad Gita and Krishna's childhood stories with children.

Ganesh Utsav

Ganesh Chaturthi honours Bhagwan Ganesh as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. Celebrations at the mandir have included Ganesh sthapana, puja, bhajans and aarti, with a Ganesh Yatra and visarjan ceremony to close the festival.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, as sisters tie rakhi and pray for their brothers' well-being. The mandir has hosted large family celebrations that bring the community together.

Patotsav, the mandir's anniversary

Patotsav marks the anniversary of the mandir's consecration, with mahapuja, yagna, abhishek, Vedic chanting, special aarti and Annakut. The mandir's second anniversary in 2026 drew more than 8,000 devotees, according to reports.

Why these festivals matter for Hindus in the UAE

• Keeping traditions alive: children learn the stories, prayers and songs behind each festival.
• Community: families from every Indian state, and from Nepal and beyond, celebrate together.
• Spiritual growth: puja, aarti, satsang and seva deepen personal practice.
• Shared culture: visitors of other faiths experience Hindu traditions first-hand, in keeping with the UAE's spirit of tolerance.

Visiting BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi

Registration and ID

• Every visitor must pre-register individually; unregistered visitors are not admitted.
• Carry a physical government-issued ID (Emirates ID or passport); the name must match your entry pass.
• Bookings can be made only after you arrive in the UAE.

Dress code

• No shorts, knee-length or shorter skirts, or sleeveless tops.
• No tight-fitting or see-through clothing.
• No caps or clothing with provocative designs or political messages; avoid noisy or very shiny accessories.
• Sarongs are available at the front desk for a fee.

Getting there

The mandir is in Abu Mureikhah, near Exit 366 on Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11), between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Visitors from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain should plan the drive in advance, especially on festival days when crowds are large.

Celebrating at home in the UAE

Families who cannot visit on a festival day can clean and decorate the puja corner, light diyas where it is safe and permitted, pray according to family tradition, read the Bhagavad Gita or Ramayana, cook vegetarian prasad, and teach children why each festival is kept. For dates of every festival this year, see Hindu Festivals in the UAE 2026–2027, and for the wider community, Hindus in the UAE and the Gulf.

Jai Swaminarayan! Jai Shri Krishna!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi?

At P6 Al Taf Road (E16), Abu Mureikhah, near Exit 366 on Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11).

What are the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi timings?

Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; closed on Mondays. Ganga Aarti is at 7:30 PM on weekdays, and at 6:45 PM and 7:30 PM on weekends and holidays.

Is registration required to visit?

Yes. Every visitor must register in advance on the official site and carry a physical Emirates ID or passport.

Which Hindu festivals are celebrated at BAPS Abu Dhabi?

Diwali, Annakut, Janmashtami, Ganesh Utsav, Raksha Bandhan and the mandir's Patotsav (anniversary), among others.

Can people of other faiths visit the mandir?

Yes. The mandir welcomes visitors of all faiths who register and follow its dress code and guidelines.

What is Annakut?

A "mountain of food": hundreds of vegetarian dishes offered to Bhagwan after Diwali in gratitude, and then shared.