On April 2nd, 2024, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi hosted a groundbreaking interfaith cultural evening called “Omsiyyat.” This event, held during Ramadan, brought together over 200 leaders and community members from diverse faiths and backgrounds, fostering a spirit of unity, friendship, and reflection.
Set against the backdrop of the newly inaugurated Hindu temple, “Omsiyyat” became a space for convergence – faith, culture, and dialogue. Notable figures like HE Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and religious leaders from various communities, including the Abrahamic Family House, Church of South India Parish, and the Baháʼí faith, were all in attendance.
The event resonated with powerful messages of unity. Rabbi Jeff Berger of the Abrahamic Family House emphasized the importance of practicing interfaith understanding and respect. HE Sheikh Nahayan praised the BAPS Hindu Mandir for promoting peace, harmony, and coexistence, highlighting their commitment to working across cultural and spiritual lines.
Swami Brahmaviharidas, Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership and attendees for their support. He envisioned Abu Dhabi as a beacon of global harmony, a place where interfaith understanding could serve as a model for the world.
The evening concluded with a unique vegetarian suhoor, a pre-dawn meal during Ramadan, prepared by temple volunteers. This blend of Indian and Arabic cuisines symbolized the spirit of the event, offering a delicious opportunity for guests, including HE Sheikh Nahayan, to connect and celebrate community. “Omsiyyat” served as a powerful reminder that interfaith harmony, while an ongoing endeavor, can be achieved through mutual respect and a commitment to understanding.
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