Light and Unity: Sheikh Nahyan celebrates Diwali at the BAPS Hindu Mandir

The Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence inaugurates the Festival of Lights with a symbolic gesture of seven beams, each representing an emirate, while addressing thousands on the enduring values of harmony and shared community.

The evening air carried the warmth of thousands gathered beneath the stars as Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan stepped into the amphitheatre of the BAPS Hindu Mandir on Sunday, 8 November, to mark the Festival of Lights. It was a moment that spoke quietly but eloquently of the nation’s commitment to the principles that define it: tolerance, harmony and the peaceful coexistence of many cultures under one sky.

Upon his arrival, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence was welcomed by Swami Brahmaviharidas with a ceremonial garland in keeping with Hindu tradition, the ceremonial band’s fanfare marking the significance of the occasion. Sheikh Nahyan then performed the ritual lighting of the Diwali lamp and witnessed the traditional Annakut ceremony, before inaugurating the Unity of Lights: seven luminous beams, each one representing one of the seven Emirates and together symbolising the nation’s strength born from unity.

In his address to thousands of attendees, Sheikh Nahyan spoke of Diwali as a celebration that transcends any single faith or culture. ‘It reminds us of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood,’ he said. ‘These are values that speak to all of humanity, whatever our faith, culture, or background.’ He reflected on the particular resonance of the festival during the Year of the Family, noting how Diwali brings generations together, strengthens family bonds, and passes cherished traditions from parents to children. As he observed, strong families sustain strong communities, and strong communities help build a peaceful and prosperous nation.

The occasion also celebrated the enduring friendship between India and the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Nahyan acknowledged the remarkable contributions of the Indian community to the nation’s development and prosperity, highlighting their role through hard work, talent and dedication in building the economy and enriching cultural and social life. This recognition echoed themes he has explored throughout his recent engagements, from championing educational initiatives to exploring contemporary creativity, all grounded in the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The festival itself reflected the depth of community devotion and care. BAPS women volunteers prepared more than 1,000 sattvic dishes for the Annakut ceremony as an expression of gratitude for the year’s blessings. This year’s presentation carried a particularly touching element: inspired by Tricky, a small cockatiel that sought refuge at the Mandir during difficult times and was nursed back to health by the Swamis, the display featured birds associated with different Hindu deities, symbolising devotion, wisdom, courage and harmony. The food, prepared in the spirit of seva or voluntary service, would be shared with community members, workers in labour camps and others in need, embodying the festival’s message of generosity and compassion.

The five-day Festival of Lights, running from 6 to 10 November, welcomed more than 30,000 visitors in its first two days alone. Since its inauguration, the BAPS Hindu Mandir has received almost five million visitors from more than 100 countries, standing as a testament to the nation’s openness and the desire of people everywhere to experience Hindu traditions and connect with communities beyond their own.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The celebration reflects Abu Dhabi’s enduring commitment to religious tolerance and cultural pluralism as defining characteristics of the nation. Sheikh Nahyan’s presence and his words emphasised that these principles are not merely aspirational but are lived daily by residents from every corner of the globe, practising their faiths freely and contributing to the shared life of the community. The inauguration of the Unity of Lights as a symbol of the seven Emirates underscored how cultural and spiritual celebrations strengthen the bonds that unite the nation’s diverse population.

For Abu Dhabi’s residents and visitors alike, the occasion demonstrates the sophistication of a society in which ancient traditions find their place alongside contemporary life, where people of different backgrounds gather not as outsiders but as neighbours and friends. This vision of inclusive community, rooted in the nation’s leadership and values, continues to attract people from around the world who wish to build meaningful lives within a framework of mutual respect and shared purpose.

Report compiled from WAM, the Emirates News Agency: wam.ae