Dubai's 'oldest Indian family' talks about old Bur Dubai temple ahead of BAPS mandir opening

As the excitement of a massive new temple in Abu Dhabi builds, an Indian family living here for more than a century, recalling its tryst with temples in Dubai says there is no difference between a UAE national and an expatriate in the Gulf nation.

Deepak Bhatia, whose grandfather Uttamchandan Bhatia (known by the nickname Vattra) reached Dubai in 1920, said: “He grew up with the then UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and they enjoyed the closest friendship.” Bhatia, who is the Managing Director of 'Uncles Shop Building Material Trading' in Dubai, said his family – the oldest Indian family in Dubai – has had four generations living in the Gulf country for nearly 104 years.

“The UAE has been very liberal, and there are no differences ever experienced between a UAE national and expatriates, making it home for many expats who have been living here for decades,” Bhatia told PTI.

According to Bhatia, one of the greatest examples is the oldest Hindu temple in Bur Dubai, which is directly opposite a mosque.

“This is a true example of the people of two faiths performing prayers at similar times in peace and humility,” he said.

“My Late grandfather and another Indian, late Dhamanmal Issardas, were instrumental in acquiring the land for this temple from Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, making it the oldest temple in this region,” Bhatia said.

“Before building the temple, the land in the 1920s and 30s had some godowns for merchants who conducted various businesses in the Bur Dubai Abra lane and a Gowshala (shed for cows) owned by my Late grandfather and one Indian goldsmith Kanthar Nagi Soni,” he said.

Later, an idol was placed there with permission from the Late Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, he said.

As the population increased, Bhatia’s grandfather approached the ruler for a land grant to build the temple for the community. “I have some old photos in our family archives dated 1936 of the area and the temple land of the current day,” he said.

• Living in Dubai for 100 years: Bhatia family gets nostalgic