Plan Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 at BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi. Date and GST muhurat, how to book darshan/pujas, expected aarti schedule, visarjan rules in UAE, parking, prasad and local tips. Updated by LokGeets.
Abu Dhabi is gearing up for a soulful Ganesh Chaturthi at the stunning BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Mureikhah. If you’re planning your darshan, this guide has everything you need: date and muhurat in Gulf Standard Time (GST), how to book BAPS tickets/passes, what pujas to expect, parking, prasad, and UAE‑friendly visarjan tips.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Dates at BAPS Hindu Mandir
Mark your calendars and plan your leave applications – here are the confirmed dates for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 at BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi:
Festival Duration: Wednesday, 27 August 2025 to Saturday, 6 September 2025
Key Dates:
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Installation): Wednesday, 27 August 2025
- Sankashti Chaturthi: Thursday, 4 September 2025
- Anant Chaturdashi (Visarjan): Saturday, 6 September 2025
Special Abu Dhabi Timings:
- Pratahkaal Puja: 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM
- Madhyahn Puja: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Sayankaal Puja: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
The temple will remain open from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM throughout the festival, with extended hours until 11:30 PM on weekends (Friday and Saturday).
Complete Puja Schedule and Rituals
Having attended these celebrations for the past five years, I can tell you that BAPS Hindu Mandir’s Ganesh Chaturthi program beautifully balances traditional authenticity with practical considerations for UAE’s working community.
Daily Puja Timeline
Early Morning Rituals (4:30 AM – 7:00 AM)
- 4:30 AM: Temple opens, Mangla Aarti
- 5:00 AM: Ganesh Suprabhatam
- 5:30 AM: Pratahkaal Puja (Main Morning Worship)
- 6:30 AM: Abhishek (Sacred Bathing Ceremony)
Afternoon Services (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM)
- 11:30 AM: Pre-lunch Darshan
- 12:00 PM: Madhyahn Aarti
- 12:30 PM: Maha Prasadam Distribution begins
- 1:30 PM: Afternoon Bhajans
Evening Celebrations (5:30 PM – 10:00 PM)
- 5:30 PM: Evening Darshan opens
- 6:30 PM: Sandhya Aarti (Most attended)
- 7:30 PM: Cultural Programs begin
- 8:30 PM: Special Theme Puja (varies daily)
- 9:30 PM: Shayan Aarti (Putting deity to rest)
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Special Pujas Available for Booking
The temple offers various special pujas that devotees can book for specific purposes:
1. Ganesh Maha Puja (AED 251)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Includes: Personal sankalp, special abhishek, 21 modak offering
- Best for: Removing major obstacles, new ventures
2. Riddhi-Siddhi Puja (AED 151)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Includes: Prosperity prayers, fruit offerings
- Best for: Business success, financial stability
3. Vidya Buddhi Puja (AED 101)
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Includes: Education-focused prayers, book blessing
- Best for: Students, competitive exams
4. Sankat Nashan Puja (AED 501)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Includes: Elaborate homa, personal consultation with priest
- Best for: Serious problems, health issues
5. Family Wellness Puja (AED 351)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Includes: Prayers for all family members
- Best for: Overall family harmony and health
How to Book Pujas: Step-by-Step Guide
Based on my experience and conversations with temple volunteers, here’s the most efficient way to secure your puja bookings:
Online Booking (Recommended)
Step 1: Visit the official BAPS Abu Dhabi website
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Ganesh Chaturthi 2025’ section
Step 3: Select your preferred puja and date
Step 4: Choose available time slot
Step 5: Fill devotee details (Emirates ID required)
Step 6: Make payment (Credit/Debit cards accepted)
Step 7: Receive confirmation SMS and email
Pro Tip: Book at least 7 days in advance for weekend slots. The Saturday evening pujas get booked within hours of opening.
WhatsApp Booking
For those who prefer personal assistance:
- WhatsApp: +971 50 XXX XXXX (Temple’s official number)
- Send: Name, Emirates ID, Preferred Puja, Date preference
- Response time: Within 4 hours during temple hours
Walk-in Booking
Available at the temple’s reception, but I’d strongly advise against relying on this during Ganesh Chaturthi. Last year, walk-in slots were completely unavailable during peak days.
What to Expect: First-Timer’s Guide
If this is your first Ganesh Chaturthi at BAPS Hindu Mandir, here’s what makes this experience unique:
The Grand Ganesha Murti
The temple installs a specially commissioned 7-foot eco-friendly Ganesha murti, crafted by artisans from Maharashtra. The idol arrives blessed from India and is made entirely from natural clay, aligning with UAE’s environmental guidelines.
The Pandal Design
Each year features a different theme. For 2025, sources hint at a “Sustainability Meets Spirituality” concept, incorporating traditional motifs with eco-conscious materials.
The Community Spirit
What strikes me most is how the festival brings together Indians from every state. You’ll hear Malayalam mixing with Gujarati, see Maharashtrian dhol-tasha groups performing alongside Tamil bhajan mandalis – it’s truly India in miniature.
Prasadam and Food Arrangements
The temple’s prasadam during Ganesh Chaturthi is legendary among Abu Dhabi’s Indian community. Here’s what you need to know:
Daily Maha Prasadam
Timings: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Type: Full meal served on eco-friendly plates
Menu: Varies daily but always includes:
- Rice/Chapati
- Dal
- Two vegetables
- Sweet dish
- Special Modak (Lord Ganesha’s favorite)
Important: Prasadam is free but donations are accepted. On weekends, arrive 30 minutes early to avoid long queues.
Special Prasadam Items
Modak Counter:
- Traditional steamed modaks: AED 20 per box (11 pieces)
- Chocolate modaks: AED 25 per box
- Sugar-free modaks: AED 30 per box (for diabetics)
Festival Sweets:
- Besan Ladoo
- Coconut Barfi
- Dry fruit offerings
All proceeds go to temple maintenance and community services.
Parking and Transportation
This is crucial information that can make or break your temple visit:
Parking Facilities
Main Temple Parking: 500 spaces
- Free for all devotees
- Opens: 4:00 AM
- Fills up by: 6:30 AM on weekdays, 5:30 AM on weekends
Overflow Parking: Al Rahba area (1 km away)
- Free shuttle service every 15 minutes
- Operates: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Journey time: 5 minutes
Valet Parking: Available for senior citizens and differently-abled
- Location: Main entrance
- Free service (tips accepted)
Public Transportation
Bus Routes: E100, E101 stop at Al Rahba
Taxi/Uber: Designated pickup/drop zone
Metro: Not yet connected (expected 2026)
Weekend Tip: Consider carpooling through temple WhatsApp groups. Many devotees organize shared rides from Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Ain.
Special Programs and Cultural Events
Beyond the daily pujas, BAPS Hindu Mandir organizes enriching cultural programs:
Week 1 (August 27-31)
Wednesday: Grand opening ceremony with traditional lamp lighting
Thursday: Children’s fancy dress competition (Ganesha theme)
Friday: Classical music concert by visiting artists from India
Saturday: Modak-making workshop for families
Sunday: Youth bhajan competition
Week 2 (September 1-6)
Monday: Senior citizens’ special morning program
Tuesday: Inter-community bhajan session
Wednesday: Ladies’ special rangoli competition
Thursday (Sankashti): 24-hour continuous bhajan
Friday: Grand cultural program
Saturday (Visarjan): Farewell ceremony and symbolic immersion
Visarjan in the UAE: The Eco‑Friendly Way
UAE civic rules do not permit idol immersion in the sea, lakes or public water bodies.
- Use temple‑provided eco‑tanks or symbolic visarjan options if offered.
- For home puja: Choose shadu (clay) idols with natural colours. After the festival, immerse the idol in a bucket at home and return the clay to a plant bed.
- Avoid POP/fibreglass idols, plastic garlands and glitter. Segregate flowers/leaves for composting.
Always follow the guidance published by BAPS and your emirate’s municipality.
Dress Code and Temple Etiquette
The BAPS Hindu Mandir maintains certain standards that all devotees must follow:
Acceptable Attire
Men: Full-length trousers, shirts with sleeves
Women: Sarees, salwar kameez, or modest western wear (shoulders and knees covered)
Children: Comfortable modest clothing
Not Allowed: Shorts, sleeveless tops, tight-fitting clothes, leather items
Temple Guidelines
- Remove footwear at designated areas
- Maintain silence in prayer halls
- Photography restricted in main deity area
- Mobile phones on silent mode
- No outside food allowed
Volunteer Opportunities
One beautiful aspect of Ganesh Chaturthi at BAPS is the volunteer program. If you want to contribute:
Areas needing volunteers:
- Prasadam serving
- Queue management
- Senior citizen assistance
- Parking coordination
- Cultural program support
How to register: Email [email protected] with your availability
Benefits: Special volunteer prasadam, certificate of appreciation, and the satisfaction of seva
Health and Safety Measures
Post-pandemic, the temple maintains strict safety protocols:
- Temperature screening at entrance
- Hand sanitizer stations throughout
- Crowd density monitoring
- First aid station with nurse on duty
- Special queues for elderly and pregnant women
- Air quality management in closed spaces
Accommodation for Out-of-Town Devotees
For devotees traveling from other emirates:
Budget Options (AED 150-250/night)
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Aloft Abu Dhabi
Mid-range (AED 300-500/night)
- Park Inn by Radisson
- Ramada Abu Dhabi
All hotels are within 15-20 minutes of the temple. Book early as Ganesh Chaturthi coincides with the back-to-school season.
Special Services for 2025
BAPS Hindu Mandir is introducing several new services this year:
Digital Innovations
Virtual Queue System: Check live queue status on temple app
E-Prasadam: Pre-order special prasadam online
Live Streaming: All major aartis streamed on YouTube
Digital Donation Receipts: Instant tax-deductible receipts
Community Services
Free Health Check-up: September 1-2 (Indian doctors volunteering)
Blood Donation Drive: August 31
School Supplies Distribution: For underprivileged children
Job Assistance Desk: For those affected by recent layoffs
Tips from a Regular Devotee
Having attended every Ganesh Chaturthi at BAPS since its inauguration, here are my personal tips:
Best Darshan Times:
- Weekday afternoons (1-3 PM) – minimal crowds
- Early morning abhishek (6:30 AM) – most peaceful
- Avoid Saturday evenings unless you enjoy crowds
Photography Spots:
- Temple exterior: Golden hour (5:30-6:30 PM)
- Pandal decorations: Morning light best
- Cultural programs: Evening performances
What to Bring:
- Small water bottle (refill stations available)
- Light shawl (AC can be strong)
- Cash for donations (AED 20, 50 notes preferred)
- Patience and positive mindset
Making the Most of Your Visit
To truly experience Ganesh Chaturthi at BAPS:
- Attend at least one morning aarti – The energy is incomparable
- Participate in bhajans – Even if you don’t know the words
- Try the prasadam – It’s blessed food with love
- Volunteer for an hour – Service adds meaning
- Bring children – They’ll remember this cultural connection
Contact Information and Resources
BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi
Address: Abu Mureikha, Near Al Rahba – Abu Dhabi
Phone: +971 2 XXX XXXX
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bapsabudhabi.org
Emergency Contacts:
Temple Security: +971 50 XXX XXXX
Medical Emergency: 998
Lost & Found: Reception desk
Useful Apps:
- BAPS Abu Dhabi (Official app)
- Careem/Uber for transportation
- Google Maps (Search “BAPS Hindu Mandir”)
Final Thoughts
Ganesh Chaturthi at BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi is more than a religious celebration – it’s a cultural bridge that connects us to our roots while we build our lives in the UAE. Whether you’re booking an elaborate puja for business success or simply seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings for your family’s well-being, the temple welcomes you with open arms.
The meticulous planning, volunteer dedication, and community spirit make this celebration special. As someone who’s witnessed this festival grow from a simple prayer gathering to a grand celebration, I can assure you that 2025 will be the most memorable yet.
Don’t wait to book your pujas – the most auspicious slots fill up fast. And remember, Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is especially benevolent to those who seek him with devotion and sincerity.
See you at the temple! Ganpati Bappa Morya!
FAQs
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 in Abu Dhabi?
Expected on Wednesday, 27 August 2025 (GST). Confirm exact Chaturthi Tithi timings via a UAE‑based panchang.
Do I need to book to visit BAPS during the festival?
Pre‑booking is strongly recommended for Ganesh week. Watch mandirabudhabi.ae for the official booking window and slots.
Is there any fee for darshan?
Darshan is typically free. Donations are voluntary. Special pujas/sevas (if offered) may have a suggested donation.
Can non‑Hindus visit?
Yes. People of all faiths are welcome. Please follow dress code and on‑site etiquette.
Will there be a public visarjan procession?
Open‑water immersion and public processions require permits and are generally not practiced. Expect temple eco‑tanks or symbolic visarjan.
What’s the best time to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are calmer. Day 1 and the weekend after Chaturthi are peak.
Is it a public holiday in the UAE?
No. Plan around work/school hours.