A 13-day cultural festival is set to take place in September to celebrate the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges. Located in the Seine-et-Marne département east of the French capital, the site is recognized as the first traditionally designed stone Hindu temple in France. The completion of the project marks the end of a long journey, as the concept was first proposed in 1970 and has taken 56 years to reach fruition.
The festival, which runs from September 2nd to September 14th, will feature a variety of religious ceremonies and official events, alongside programs dedicated to art, music, and traditional culture. Among the most prominent highlights are two major events scheduled in central Paris.
On Thursday, September 3rd, a thematic procession involving 11 boats will travel along the River Seine to celebrate themes of spirituality, culture, and harmony. This will be followed on Saturday, September 5th, by a colorful procession through the heart of Paris, featuring 14 floats showcasing traditional music, dance, and cultural displays.
