Scroll down to view the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Please Note: Registration is mandatory for all visitors. Please complete all 4 steps to confirm your place.
You can register through the myBAPS web portal here. This can also be accessed from the Register page on the Festival of Culture’s website.
Registration is a 4-step process as outlined below:
Step 1 of 4 - Initial Mahotsav Registration
Step 2 of 4 - Optional Event Registration for Jal Yatra, Vedic Yagna, Palki Yatra & Nagar Yatra
Step 3 of 4 - Submit Travel & Accommodation Details
Step 4 of 4 - Final Confirmation
Learn more about this process on the Festival of Culture’s website here.
A ‘SID’ is a unique number assigned to all UK & Europe haribhaktas who have opted to have a profile on the myBAPS satsangi database.
Once you create a login using your email address on the myBAPS portal, you can select ‘Request Satsangi ID’ to generate a SID for yourself, subject to approval.
All continents in the BAPS global family have their own system of providing an ID to satsangis on their respective databases. Inquire with your local centre to see what’s available for you.
No, a BAPS ID or SID is not essential to register for Paris Mandir Mahotsav. You can also create a guest profile to register.
Yes, registration for these four specific events – Jal Yatra, Vedic Yagna, Palkhi Yatra, and Nagar Yatra – is essential if you wish to participate in them – even if you have registered for the Mahotsav in general. This is because these events require extra logistical planning and preparation.
No, registration is not required to attend Mahant Swami Maharaj’s puja darshan or any of the evening programmes, or even to watch the murti-pratishtha ceremony.
There will be several events happening over the course of the 13-day Festival of Culture. The following four require specific registration if you wish to participate: Jal Yatra, Vedic Yagna, Palkhi Yatra, and Nagar Yatra.
All other events – such as the murti pratishtha ceremony, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s puja darshan, and evening programmes – do not require specific registration beyond the general ‘Festival of Culture’ registration.
Only two of the Mandir Mahotsav events require payment – Jal Yatra and Vedic Yagna. All the other events, including Nagar Yatra and Palkhi Yatra, are free – although registration is still required for these two.
Yes, you may select as many events as you wish to participate in.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many visitors can enter France for a short stay (less than 90 days) without a visa, while others will need to apply in advance.
Check the official French Government site here to see whether or not you require a visa.
Please note: Visitors are responsible for checking and meeting the entry requirements for their passport.
For other details, visit the ‘Plan Your Visit’ page on the ‘Festival of Culture’ website.
It is advisable to travel with the following documents:
We recommend completing your event registration first and avoiding non-refundable bookings until you are confident of your travel plans.
After you have registered for the Mahotsav and any specific events, you will receive an email requesting you to submit your travel and accommodation details, including flight information, hotel confirmation, and the days you plan to attend.
Yes. Volunteers will be present at key transport hubs to welcome visitors and provide guidance. Additional travel information will be shared closer to the event.
All travel, visa, and accommodation arrangements are the visitor’s responsibility.
Please ensure you meet all entry requirements before travelling.
Bring enough medication for your whole stay. Managing your health is your responsibility.
You must ensure you have adequate health insurance in case you or your family become unwell.
First aiders will be present at the Festival Grounds during the day.
Yes, carrying a GHIC is recommended. Apply early at the NHS GHIC site here.
No. Accommodation is not provided as part of Paris Mandir Mahotsav. Visitors are responsible for arranging and funding their own stay.
Visitors may choose to stay in Bussy-Saint-Georges or in central Paris, depending on personal preference, travel plans, and convenience. Both areas offer a range of accommodation options.
Anywhere within the Bussy-Saint-George area and/or with good travel links would be a recommended option. Individuals should decide based on their needs and circumstances.
As we are anticipating a high volume of visitors, we expect demand for accommodation to be high, so recommend that you book early to secure your preferred option.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is located at Allée Madame de Montespan, 77600 Bussy-Saint-Georges, Paris, France. It can be found on Google Maps here.
The Festival site is a 10-minute walk from the Mandir location within Bussy-Saint-Georges, Paris, France.
Parking will be via a park-and-ride system. There is no on-site parking.
Yes, meals will be provided daily on the Mahotsav grounds. Additionally, food and drinks can also be purchased from the Shayona food stalls, also located on the Mahotsav grounds.
Yes, volunteers will be available throughout the Festival site, including at the Visitor Services area.
Updates will be sent by email to your registered email address. Please also check the website and dedicated Telegram channel (coming soon) for the latest updates.
Yes. You may update your details at any point before completing Step 4. If you need to make changes after Step 4, please contact the Visitor Service team by emailing info@bapsmandirparis.fr
Please email info@bapsmandirparis.fr for any queries.
Response times are typically 48 to 72 hours.
Contact details are also available on the website here.
This is a family event; we welcome attendees of all ages, but all under-16s should be constantly accompanied by a responsible adult.
This event is open to everyone.
