The newly inaugurated BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges saw representatives from 43 countries coming together to mark a special Indo-French Cultural Open Day on September 10, 2026. More than 50 UNESCO ambassadors and diplomats celebrated cultural dialogue, shared values, and the enduring friendship between India and France.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), with more than 80,000 volunteers and 5,025 centres worldwide, is an international community-based Hindu organisation dedicated to society’s spiritual and social progress. Its activities in France have steadily grown for over 50 years.
Hosted by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, the Open Day brought together representatives from across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Arab States, the Americas and the Caribbean. The delegates travelled from UNESCO headquarters in Paris to Bussy-Saint-Georges. After arriving at the ‘Festival of Culture’ village, they were invited to share a traditional Indian meal before gathering for a programme introducing the story of the Mandir and the values of service, cultural understanding and dialogue that underpin its place in modern-day France.
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H.E. Vishal Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO, addressed the assembly, describing the Mandir as “a remarkable celebration of India’s civilisation (and) heritage and Indo-French collaborative masonry.” Summing up the international spirit of the occasion, he described the Mandir as “Made in India, built in France, celebrated by the world.”
A special film introduced the new Mandir and the remarkable collaboration behind its creation, bringing centuries-old Indian craftsmanship and sacred architectural traditions together with cutting-edge French engineering and expertise.
Bhavisha Patel, a lead BAPS volunteer, reflected on how volunteering had given her purpose, confidence, friendships and opportunities while allowing her to help others. She spoke of thousands of volunteers who give their time alongside work and family responsibilities, being guided by the simple question, “How can I help?” This shared spirit, she added, brought countless individuals together to help create the Paris Mandir.
Jyoti Hosagrahar, Deputy Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, spoke about the Mandir embodying what UNESCO seeks to promote. “UNESCO attaches great importance to initiatives such as this, which celebrate cultural diversity, strengthen bonds between communities, promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding,” she said.
Following a guided tour of the Mandir, ambassadors and delegates gathered over refreshments to share their reflections on the Open Day and their experience of the Mandir.
Sanjay Kara, project lead of the Mandir, said, “It was a privilege to welcome so many ambassadors and diplomats from around the world and to share the beauty and values of the Mandir with them. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired this Mandir to be a place that brings people together in a spirit of peace, respect and understanding. To see representatives of 43 nations gathered here today was a beautiful expression of that vision.”
