Paris, Jan 27 : The Franco-Indian cultural collaboration witnessed a historic milestone as the first stones from India arrived in Paris for the new Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges.

The ceremonial welcome of these stones signalled the next phase of construction of what will be the first traditional Hindu temple of its kind in France, built using time-honoured craftsmanship and shared expertise.

The stones, sourced from India and prepared using traditional techniques, represent centuries of architectural heritage. Select elements have been hand-carved by skilled artisans in India, preserving ancient methods passed down through generations, before beginning their journey to France.

In France, Indian artisans will work alongside French stone masons, including members of the team involved in the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, uniting Indian carving traditions with Franceâ??s renowned stonemasonry expertise.

The ceremony marked more than the delivery of the traditionally carved stones; it symbolised a meeting of cultures, values, and knowledge.

The Mandir is being developed as part of a broader vision to create a space dedicated not only to worship, but also to culture, education, and community engagement. Once complete, it will stand as a lasting symbol of friendship between India and France

Local and national representatives, along with community leaders, attended the ceremony, recognising the significance of the project for France and its role in strengthening intercultural understanding.

Sanjay Kara, CEO of the Paris Mandir construction project and a trustee of BAPS UK & Europe, shared, â??The arrival of the first stones from India marks a historic milestone. Each one carries heritage, care and intention, symbolising Indian tradition meeting French engineering through shared respect and collaboration. Guided by the values and vision of Mahant Swami Maharaj, whose teachings emphasise service, humility and harmony, it is an honour to be part of a project that brings Indian and French expertise side by side, and that will grow into a mandir serving not only worshippers, but the wider community as a place of culture, learning, and harmony.â??

Ambassador of India to France Sanjeev Kumar Singla attended the special assembly. Sharing his impressions, Singla said, â??This Mandir represents a unique collaboration. The stones were sculpted in India by master artisans and will be assembled here, in France, by French stonemasonsâ??some of whom also contributed to the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral. This is the meeting of two great traditions of sacred architecture, united by excellence and a shared pride in craftsmanship.

The meeting of Indian and French artisans, symbolised today by the exchange of friendship bracelets, reflects the cooperation, respect, and friendship between our peoples. This moment is a celebration of culture, heritage, and universal human values.â??

Ambassador Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, Advisor for Religious Affairs at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, remarked, â??The launch of this project, this Mandir, represents something very new and very innovative. This is the first time a temple of this kind will be built in France. The partnership between our two countries is also spiritual and human.

Alain Ngouoto, Sous-Préfet de Torcy, commented, â?? I also want to tell you that today is a 'stone in the edifice' â?? a building block of this French Indian friendship that I am carrying forward through this ceremony. Here, we are receiving ancestral stones from an art dating back to time immemorial, to be assembled with ingenious French expertise. I believe the fusion of the two will show us how two â??geniusesâ??, two intelligences, can together build not only a friendship but also a structure which, looking at the photos, will likely be resplendent.â??

/IANS