Women’s Day Celebration

On the evening of 21 April 2019, the UAE BAPS women’s wing celebrated Women’s Day, presenting a unique cultural programme acknowledging the achievements and roles women play in society today. The event, held in Jumeirah Park, Dubai, was attended by over 1,000 females of all ages from the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, India, USA, UK and other countries.

The celebration organized by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) represents its on-going commitment to women and matters of importance to women, as inspired and guided by the spiritual leader of BAPS, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

The two-hour event began at 7:30 p.m. with a beautiful recitation of the Shanti Path (Vedic Peace Prayer) and was attended by Mrs Bubbles Kandhari, Vice-Chairperson of the Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai, Mrs Reema Shetty-Bitar, co-founder and chief executive of The Foodsters Inc., Mrs Falguni Mehta and many other prominent figures of the UAE women’s community.

Themed on the ‘Value of Love’, women from various communities and spiritual beliefs participated in the memorable musical and cultural presentation. The theme was artfully conveyed through video presentations, traditional dances, meaningful drama, a magnificent cultural parade involving over 150 women from various parts of India, panel discussions and speeches by eminent guests who shared their inspiring testimonies and experiences.

Mrs Bubbles Kandhari wrote in the guest book, “The most amazing programme, with utmost love, humility and compassion, setting the best example of tolerance for the world.”

A lead volunteer for the event added, “We’re so grateful for the overwhelming support of so many inspiring women who presented and attended today. We hope the event empowered women of all ages to reflect on their personal journey and they continue to shine professionally, personally and in support of others through faith, courage and love.”

The celebrations took place exactly a day after the historic foundation stone-laying ceremony for the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi by the Spiritual Head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

At the end of the event, the entire assembly prayed for the victims of the recent attacks in Sri Lanka.