France’s first major Hindu temple set to open near Paris in September

First Major Hindu Temple in France Set to Open Near Paris This September

France is about to open its first major Hindu temple, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, located near Paris in Bussy-Saint-Georges. The grand opening will take place in September, coinciding with a 13-day “Festival of Culture” from September 2 to 14, 2026. Mahant Swami Maharaj will lead the inauguration and celebrations.

Thousands of devotees and visitors from around the world are expected to attend. The festival was announced earlier this year during global satsang events in March and April, with video messages highlighting the temple’s significance and plans for the celebration. Yogvivekdas Swami, head of BAPS in the UK and Europe, sent a personal message emphasizing the event’s importance.

The Indian community in France is deeply proud of this achievement, seeing it as a bridge between Indian and French cultures. The temple’s construction used stones imported from India, adding cultural and spiritual significance. Before the opening, swamis performed rituals like ‘Kalash’ and ‘Dhaja Dand Pujans’ on the temple’s spires, offering prayers for peace and prosperity.

The temple aims to be a place of unity, bringing together people of all backgrounds in France through shared culture and spirituality.