As early as next year, the emirate’s commuters will have the option to fly over traffic jams
transport1 hour ago
The newest Hindu temple in Dubai formally opened its doors to worshippers on Tuesday evening. And today, large numbers of people are expected to visit the temple for the celebration of Dusshera festival.
“We will have a lot of rush today, so just Darshans (altar viewing) as of now, and big aarti (Hindu ritual) at 7.30pm,” Shroff said on Wednesday morning.
Those who are planning to go to the temple are advised to pre-register via a QR code, but walk-in visitors are also permitted.
Located in a neighbourhood referred to as the 'worship village', the grand place of worship was inaugurated in a ceremony marked with a powerful message of tolerance, peace, and harmony on Tuesday.
The 'worship village' in Jebel Ali now houses nine religious shrines, including seven churches and the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Gurudwara.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the temple by lighting a lantern in the temple's multi-purpose hall on the ground floor.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was organised in the main prayer hall. Sheikh Nahyan was joined by Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE; Dr Omar Al Muthanna, CEO of the social regulatory and licensing agency for the Community Development Authority (CDA); and Raju Shroff, trustee of the Hindu Temple Dubai. Ahmed Abdul Karim Julfar, director-general of the Community Development Authority, was also present at the event.
Over 200 dignitaries, including the heads of diplomatic missions, religious leaders of several faiths, business owners and Indian community members were also present at the glittering opening ceremony.
Indian ambassador Sunjay Sudhir said: "It is welcome news for the Indian community that a new Hindu temple is being inaugurated in Dubai today. The temple's opening serves the religious aspirations of the large Hindu community living in the UAE. The new temple is adjoining a Gurudwara, which was opened in 2012.
"We are honoured that Sheikh Nahayan inaugurated the new Hindu temple in Dubai. We thank the graciousness and generosity of the Dubai Government for providing land for the temple and facilitating its construction. We also thank the UAE government for providing a second home to 3.5 million Indians where they live and work and contribute to the economy and society."
Plans to construct the 70,000-square-foot house of worship were announced in 2020, shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic struck the city.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Shroff said: "The temple opening in Dubai is a dream come true not just for Hindus, but for Indians all over the UAE. The temple is a true representation of how we perceive religion – bringing cultures together.
"Despite Covid -19, construction timelines were not hampered because of the support of the Dubai government. The Hindu Temple Dubai is truly a remarkable icon of how receptive and compassionate Dubai and the Government of the UAE are. Whether it was in 1958 to launch the first 'mandir' in the country to the Hindu Temple now, the Emirati generosity remains."
Pre-registration is required to visit the house of worship, and devotees can register online before arrival. Worshippers will have to register on the temple website, and almost 200,000 people visited the temple in September using the QR code appointment system, elaborated Shroff.
By the end of the year, there will be a spacious community centre where Hindu ceremonies, rituals and prayers can take place, including weddings, naming ceremonies and 'janeyu' or sacred thread ceremonies, all with options for catering, said temple officials.
ALSO READ:
As early as next year, the emirate’s commuters will have the option to fly over traffic jams
transport1 hour ago
Formerly Oman-Etihad Rail Company, the joint venture will now be known as Hafeet Rail
uae1 hour ago
The 2024 Spring Job Fair is taking place on May 11 at University of Dubai, Academic City
uae1 hour ago
Kejriwal was detained in March over a long-running corruption probe
world2 hours ago
Muhammad Al Ketbi waited four months for a suitable donor
uae2 hours ago
The Bundesliga champions played their 49th match without defeat in all competitions, surpassing Benfica's long-standing European record set from 1963 to 1965
sports3 hours ago
These two vehicles can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in just 3.6 seconds
auto3 hours ago
The country has been hit by around 1,400 aftershocks since a 7.2 magnitude quake struck Hualien last month, killing 17 people
world3 hours ago