Air India crash: Places of worship in UAE pray for Ahmedabad victims, survivors

Dubai/ Abu Dhabi: Faith communities in the UAE have come together in prayer and solidarity following the devastating Air India plane crash that claimed at least 290 lives in Ahmedabad and left several others injured on Thursday.

Places of worship such as the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai and the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, which cater to the large Indian expat community here, held prayers and extended their heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

The gurudwara held kirtan services and special ardas (prayers) for the victims, calling upon the community to come together in sewa (service) and spiritual healing.

Speaking on behalf of the Sikh community, Dr Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai, said: “This is not just an airline tragedy; it is a human tragedy that has pierced through the soul of our global family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray that Waheguru grants them strength and the departed souls eternal peace.”

Vice Chairperson Dr Bubbles Kandhari added: “In this time of immense grief, we offer our heartfelt prayers for the departed souls. May Waheguru give strength to their families to bear this irreparable loss.”

In Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Hindu Mandir also offered prayers and announced it was coordinating support through its parent organisation in India.

“We at The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi continue to pray for the victims and survivors of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad,” a temple spokesperson said.

“We have extended support to the people and government authorities helping on the ground.”

Meanwhile, N Mohan, general manager of the Hindu Temple in Dubai, said the temple's committee has also decided to offer prayers for the crash victims and those affected during the evening prayer (aarti) on Friday.