The United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Bal-Balika Mandal Shibir was organised in Dubai from 29-31 October 2015 centered onthe theme 'My Mandir My Home'. More than 100 children attended the shibir from all over the UAE - Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Ain & Ruwais. 12 children had come from Ruwais which is 400 km away from Dubai.

Topics which were covered in the shibir are as follows:

• Ideal way of doing darshan.


• Ownership towards the Mandir.


• Importance of seva.


• Chaitanya Mandir.


• Rituals - Arti, Ghar Sabha, Mansi Puja & Tilak Chandlo.

The above topics were covered with Power Point presentations, videos & fun activities. Skits & one minute games were organised in between the programmes to make the event more interesting. All the delegates attentively listened to the talks and actively took part in the activities. On 30-31 October, samuha puja was also organized followed by Shri Nilkanth Varni’s abhishek.

The delegates also gained insight into why the mandir is their home and they should value, respect and love it as their own homes. They learned how the mandir helps them strengthen their connection with God and Guru and in turn, how that connection allows them to excel in life.

Pujya Brahmavihari Swami and Pujya Anantyogi Swami summarized the shibir in the concluding session. Shri Arun Tiwari, the co-author of the book Transcendence, also had an interactive session with the delegates.

Throughout the shibir, special treats were served during breakfast, lunch and dinner. T-shirts highlighting the theme were provided to the children. Theme packed bags, posters, stickers and water bottle were also provided to all the delegates as mementoes so that the shibir leaves a mark in their memory and heart.