The country’s first hand-carved traditional stone and marble temple, the Baps Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, has welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors since it opened to the public last February.
More than 10,000 devotees and volunteers from across the region gathered before dawn on Sunday to offer prayers and take part in a day-long celebration of the temple's first year.
A beacon of unity, fostering greater understanding and harmony among nations, cultures and faiths
Swami Brahmaviharidas,
head of international relations for Baps
“The Baps Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has surpassed expectation in its inaugural year, welcoming over 2.2 million visitors from diverse backgrounds,” Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for Baps, told The National. “This iconic landmark has not only become a cultural and spiritual hub but also a beacon of unity, fostering greater understanding and harmony among nations, cultures and faiths.”
He said world leaders have praised the UAE’s leadership’s generosity in granting permission for the temple. He prayed that the building would continue to remain a “shining example of global harmony” and expressed gratitude to President Sheikh Mohamed for his support.
The Hindu priest said the temple advocated inclusion that was reflected in the festivals, interfaith dialogues and events held on its grounds.
Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the senior spiritual guru of the Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, he said the Mandir would continue to bridge cultural divides, and unite hearts and minds.
“May this sacred, inspiring institution continue to serve humanity spreading love, peace and understanding for years to come for all people of all nations of all cultures and all faiths," Swami Brahmaviharidas said.
Temple gives hope
Families gathered from as early as 4am to be part of Sunday's cultural programme that included rituals, prayer, music and dance performances.
“One year is a milestone for us because it’s overwhelming to have the first traditional temple of the Middle East in Abu Dhabi,” said Meera Chokshi, 33, among thousands of worshippers who sat cross-legged on the marble floor. She offered water and flowers to the deities, along with her husband and brother.
“The mandir is a very inspiring place for me because we look at it as somewhere we can share our dreams, thoughts and vision,” said the Dubai resident.
“Before the temple was built there was always a missing factor for us. Now that has been fulfilled because we go every weekend to offer prayers with family. We look to the temple to give us hope.”
Ceremonies were held in the temple with holy verses chanted and hymns sung. Prayers were also offered for Sheikh Mohamed for “his vision in fostering a land of love and harmony”, the Baps Hindu Mandir said in a statement.
The celebrations continued through to the evening, with music and traditional Indian dances performed against the backdrop of the sandstone temple.
The Dh350 million marble and stone temple took about five years to build, with work continuing during the Covid pandemic. Intricate carvings from ancient Indian scriptures by 2,000 sculptors adorn its pillars and domes.
The temple is open to all and visitors must register for entry. Details are available on the temple website mandir.ae
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Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
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Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Lecce v SPAL (6pm)
Bologna v Genoa (9pm)
Atlanta v Roma (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Hellas Verona (3.30pm)
Juventus v Brescia (6pm)
Sampdoria v Fiorentina (6pm)
Sassuolo v Parma (6pm)
Cagliari v Napoli (9pm)
Lazio v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Torino (11.45pm)
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Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
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Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
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Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
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Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
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FANS WILL LOVE
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Uber policy in Russia is that they can start the fare as soon as they arrive at the pick-up point — and oftentimes they start it even before arriving, or worse never arrive yet charge you anyway.
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It’s amazing how active Russians are on social media and your accounts will surge should you post while in the country. Throw in a few Cyrillic hashtags and watch your account numbers rocket.
FANS WILL LOATHE
With cold soups, bland dumplings and dried fish, Russian cuisine is not to everybody’s tastebuds. Fortunately, there are plenty Georgian restaurants to choose from, which are both excellent and economical.
FANS WILL LOVE
The World Cup will take place during St Petersburg's White Nights Festival, which means perpetual daylight in a city that genuinely never sleeps. (Think toddlers walking the streets with their grandmothers at 4am.)
FANS WILL LOATHE
The walk from Krestovsky Ostrov metro station to Saint Petersburg Arena on a rainy day makes you wonder why some of the $1.7 billion was not spent on a weather-protected walkway.
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Brief scores:
Toss: India, opted to field
Australia 158-4 (17 ov)
Maxwell 46, Lynn 37; Kuldeep 2-24
India 169-7 (17 ov)
Dhawan 76, Karthik 30; Zampa 2-22
Result: Australia won by 4 runs by D/L method
The Old Slave and the Mastiff
Patrick Chamoiseau
Translated from the French and Creole by Linda Coverdale
