Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is all set to witness the grand inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, which is going to be the largest stone temple in the Middle Eastern region. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Mandir on 14 February. The temple is situated on 27 acres of land donated by the Abu Dhabi government in Abu Mareikhah away from the Abu Dhabi – Dubai highway. The land was donated in 2015, by Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan who was the President, Crown Prince, and deputy commander of the UAE armed forces. Initially, 13.5 acres of land were given for constructing the temple. However, in 2019, an additional 13.5 acres were allowed to celebrate the year of tolerance.
The inauguration of the temple would be celebrated as the ‘Festival of Harmony’. Members of the royal family and other eminent Arab personalities would attend the mega event. Devotees who had booked slots online for visiting the temple would be allowed from February 18 onwards. However, the temple authorities have appealed to the people in the UAE to visit the temple only from March onwards as the bookings have already skyrocketed.
