France to get first major Hindu temple as BAPS Mandir in Paris prepares for September inauguration

Paris, Aug 22 (IANS) France is set to get its first major Hindu temple, with the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in the Parisian district of Bussy-Saint-Georges scheduled to be inaugurated in September.

The historic opening will be marked by a 13-day ‘Festival of Culture’ from September 2 to 14, 2026.

The inauguration and celebrations will be blessed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and are expected to bring together devotees and well-wishers from across the world.

BAPS said the ‘Festival of Culture’, a 13-day celebration marking the opening of the temple, was launched globally during ‘satsang’ assemblies held around the world in March and April.

“The ‘Festival of Culture’, a 13-day celebration in September marking the opening of BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, Paris – the first traditional Hindu temple in France – was launched globally in ‘satsang’ assemblies around the world during the months of March and April,” BAPS said.

The launch announcement featured several video presentations, including a personal message from Yogvivekdas Swami, head swami for BAPS in the UK and across Europe. It also highlighted the historical significance of the new temple and provided an overview of the upcoming festival.

Members of the Indian diaspora in France have welcomed the development with pride. Speaking to IANS, Bhavi Parekh said, “We are feeling very proud after welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Another major occasion for us is the opening of France’s first traditional Hindu temple in September. We welcome everyone to visit. The speciality of this temple is that it has been crafted in India and assembled in France.”

Another member of the Indian diaspora associated with BAPS said the temple was made using stones sourced from India.

“The temple has been made in India and built in France. We invite people from France, India, and the Hindu community worldwide to visit. A 15-day programme will be organised here in September, and everyone is welcome to attend,” he said.

Ahead of the inauguration, swamis and devotees also gathered for the sacred ‘Kalash’ and ‘Dhaja Dand Pujans’ atop the ‘shikhars’ and central dome of the BAPS Paris temple.

Vedic chants and prayers were offered for peace, harmony and well-being in Bussy-Saint-Georges, surrounding areas and beyond.

BAPS described the occasion with the devotional call, “Paris Mandir Mahotsavni Jay!”, celebrating the shared enthusiasm of Mahant Swami Maharaj, senior swamis and devotees around the world.

The upcoming festival is expected to offer visitors a deeply spiritual and culturally uplifting experience while marking a significant milestone for the Hindu community in France.

–IANS

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