Shillong: France is set to host its first major traditional Hindu temple. The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir sits in the Parisian district of Bussy-Saint-Georges. It opens this September. A 13-day Festival of Culture runs from September 2 to 14, 2026. Global satsang assemblies held in March and April first shared the plans.
The organization announced the news through video presentations featuring Yogvivekdas Swami, the head swami for BAPS in the UK and Europe. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj will bless the inauguration. Devotees expect visitors from across the world to attend the event. The group recently held Kalash and Dhaja Dand Pujans on the shikhars and the central dome to offer Vedic prayers for harmony.
The temple structure features stones carved in India. Workers then assembled the pieces on-site in France. Diaspora members expressed excitement about the project. Bhavi Parekh shared the community sentiment: "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."
Organizers are preparing for a massive turnout. BAPS leaders call the event Paris Mandir Mahotsavni Jay. They expect the festival to provide a spiritual experience for the entire community.
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