Religious festivals hold great significance for communities around the world as they come together to celebrate their faith. Mauritius, being a multicultural nation, joyously observes a variety of religious festivities throughout the year – a true reflection of the island’s diverse population with various ethnic and religious backgrounds.
We invite you to delve into the major celebrations that grace the Mauritian calendar.
Thaipoosam Cavadee This annual celebration cherished by the Tamil community in Mauritius, graces the calendar each year in January or February, aligning with the Tamil lunar calendar. This vibrant festival pays tribute to Muruga, Tamil God of war and victory. Drawing awe-inspiring crowds, Cavadee festivities in Mauritius captivate the hearts of thousands. With deep devotion, devotees partake in a solemn procession leading towards temples, bearing heartfelt offerings of fruits and flowers. Some fervent participants display their unwavering faith by piercing their skin with needles and hooks, carrying the sacred Cavadee, a wooden structure adorned with delicate leaves and blossoms.
unwavering faith by piercing their skin with needles and hooks, carrying the sacred Cavadee, a wooden structure adorned with delicate leaves and blossoms.
This grand festival is considered a time of purification and spiritual renewal for the participants. It allows them to reconnect with their faith, purify their body and mind, and realign with their spiritual and religious values. Coming up to this special day, devotees observe a vegetarian diet for 10 days in preparation for the procession. After the ceremony, families and friends gather to share a traditional vegetarian meal consisting of 7 dishes, the famous “7 carris.”
The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, joyously unfolds among Mauritius’ Chinese community from late January to mid-February, following the lunar calendar. This fifteen-day celebration is full of activities such as mesmerizing lion and dragon dances, dazzling fireworks, cherished ancestral offerings, delightful family feasts, and the heartwarming tradition of “Hong Bao” – gifting red envelopes filled with blessings to children. In Mauritius, this festive occasion serves as a tribute to Chinese and Asian culture, with some merchants adorning the festivities with captivating “Chinese lions” and the resounding joy of firecrackers, leading in abundance and good fortune.
Maha Shivaratri Every year, in either February or March according to the lunar calendar, the Hindu community in Mauritius joyously celebrates Maha Shivaratri—a religious festival dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration. Preparations kick off weeks in advance as devotees construct colorful bamboo structures known as “kanwars” for the upcoming annual Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage.
During the sacred event, devotees embrace a vegetarian diet for a week, gearing up for their journey to the Ganga Talao, the sacred lake. Some choose to embark on the pilgrimage by foot, while others opt for a more convenient mode of transport, either by car or bus.
Upon reaching Ganga Talao, an breathtaking sight awaits as devotees offer heartfelt prayers and collect sacred water to smear over the symbolic representations of Shiva, also known as lingams. Though not as extravagant as the grand Ganges rituals in India, this spectacle remains deeply remarkable.
Throughout the pilgrimage, the air resonates with heartwarming bhajans— spiritual songs sung by the faithful. Meanwhile, mantras and incantations fill the airwaves, broadcasting spiritual energies through speakers mounted on vehicles.
For those on foot, the return journey to their hometowns may span several days. However, they find comfort and support as volunteers generously provide food and refreshments along the roads.
Thoughtfully arranged across the island, temporary shelters and temple halls ensure that pilgrims can rest and find safety when needed. At the end of the celebrations, the Night of Shiva unites devotees from all corners of the island, offering heartfelt prayers to the Shiva throughout the night.
Holi
The festival of colours, is joyously celebrated by the Hindu community, typically in March to welcome the arrival of spring. In Mauritius, Holi is a vibrant and exuberant occasion, where people dressed in white garments gleefully engage in throwing coloured pigments at one another while exchanging cheerful greetings of “Happy Holi.” Rooted in Hindu traditions, the festival holds profound spiritual significance, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The legend narrates the demise of Holika, the sister of a king, who was engulfed in flames and reduced to ashes while attempting to kill her nephew, an ardent devotee of Shiva, exemplifies this symbolic victory.
In Mauritius, Holi showcases the abundance of Hindu culture, providing an opportunity for the community to unite, share moments of joy, and camaraderie. Moreover, the inclusive spirit of Holi has embraced people from diverse backgrounds, making it popular among individuals of various communities who embrace Mauritius’ essence of unity in diversity.
In Mauritius, Holi showcases the abundance of Hindu culture, providing an opportunity for the community to unite, share moments of joy, and camaraderie. Moreover, the inclusive spirit of Holi has embraced people from diverse backgrounds, making it popular among individuals of various communities who embrace Mauritius’ essence of unity in diversity.
Ugadi This important festival that announces the beginning of the new year according to the Hindu calendar, is joyously celebrated by the Hindu community in Mauritius. This lively celebration is also observed in various other regions of India and around the world. Traditionally celebrated in the months of March or April, Ugadi festivities in Mauritius embrace heartfelt prayers and offerings to the admired Hindu deities at the splendid temples.
A momentous highlight of this festival is the preparation of “pachadi,” a fusion of six distinct flavors. Meticulously crafted from ingredients like tamarind, sugar, red chili, salt, neem, and mango pulp, the rich medley of flavors serves as a poignant metaphor for life’s experiences – its highs and lows – representing the importance of maintaining poise and equilibrium in all circumstances. In essence, Ugadi holds deep meaning, conveying messages of peace, prosperity, and unity that touch the hearts of all who celebrate its joyful festivities.
Easter A momentous celebration in the Christian tradition, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Preceding Easter, believers observe Lent, which lasts for 40 days and involves fasting and prayer to encourage spiritual reflection. As Lent concludes, Easter festivities emerge, becoming a delightful occasion for families to unite, partake in a special meal, and cherish moments of togetherness and camaraderie. An integral part of Easter customs is the beloved tradition of the Easter egg hunt, where children eagerly search for eggs hidden in gardens or homes, adding to the joy and playfulness of the occasion, especially for the younger ones.
Eid-ul-Fitr This celebration stands as a memorable occasion in the Muslim calendar, commemorating the culmination of the sacred month of Ramadan. At the break of dawn, devout individuals unite at the mosque for the Eid prayer, followed by warm exchanges of “Eid Mubarak” greetings and thoughtful gifts. The festivity extends through family and friends’ visits, savoring delectable traditional treats like dates and sweet vermicelli. For countless Muslims, Eid al-Fitr serves as an opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to Allah, acknowledging His support and resilience throughout the month of Ramadan, fostering self-discipline.
Consequently, some believers generously contribute to the less fortunate, the amount given depending on each person’s means. These joyous celebrations offer members of the Muslim community in Mauritius a chance to forge stronger familial ties, partake in moments of prayerful contemplation, and exhibit acts of compassion.
The pilgrimage of Père Laval The annual pilgrimage of Père Laval is not a religious festival, yet it stands as a significant event in Mauritius, uniting thousands of devout Christians each year. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to the memory of Father Jacques-Désiré Laval, a devoted French missionary who dedicated his life to helping the underprivileged and the sick in Mauritius. Held on the 9th of September, as a solemn anniversary of Father Laval’s passing, the pilgrimage takes place at the revered tomb of Sainte-Croix in Port Louis. With dedicated faith, the pilgrims seek blessings and healing through fervent prayers while paying homage to the noble soul of Father Laval. The procession is adorned with spiritual chants and reverent prayers, filling the air with an aura of sacredness, culminating in a profound mass at Sainte Croix.
Divali
Also referred to as the “Festival of Lights”, Divali is joyously celebrated by the Hindu community in Mauritius. This spirited celebration signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, embodying themes of hope and victory. The festivities are radiant, adorned with colorful lights and oil lamps that gracefully illuminate homes. Divali typically graces the calendar in either October or November, aligning with the Hindu lunar calendar. During these cherished celebrations, people come together to partake in prayer, exchange heartfelt gifts, and relish in traditional delicacies like patate cakes and gulab jamun. Beyond mere revelry, Divali fosters profound connections within the community and nurtures familial bonds, while also providing a moment to commemorate the richness of Hindu culture and spirituality in the enchanting landscape of Mauritius.
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi, a famous Hindu festival, joyfully honors the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This cheerful festivity, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, takes place during the auspicious Hindu month of Bhadrapada, typically spanning between August and September. The festivities brim with enthusiasm and profound devotion. Devotees bring home clay idols of Lord Ganesha, adorned with colorful flowers and dazzling lights, while offering an array of delectable sweets and succulent fruits as sacred offerings. As the grand event unfolds, these reverently crafted idols are immersed in rivers or the sea, symbolizing Lord Ganesha’s departure to his heavenly home.
Christmas Christmas in Mauritius is a cheerful celebration that unites families and communities, fostering a spirit of joy and camaraderie. Despite the majority of Mauritians being of Hindu faith, the entire population embraces the Christmas spirit. On December 24th, churches hold midnight masses, gathering the faithful to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The busy streets continue into the night as shops and malls remain open until midnight. Christmas day brings families together to enjoy traditional feasts, featuring roast pork, turkey, and Christmas log. The cherished tradition of gift-giving, eagerly anticipated by children, adds an extra layer of excitement as they await the arrival of Father Christmas.
At the conclusion of this enchanting journey through the religious celebrations of Mauritius, it is evident that the cultural diversity of this nation is an endless source of wealth. Each festival offers a deep immersion into the values, traditions, and human warmth of the communities that come together.
Discover a world where cultural boundaries fade away to make room for a spirit of openness, tolerance, and mutual respect. The religious celebrations in Mauritius are much more than moments of reflection; they are a true symphony of colors, songs, and prayers, uniting hearts in exceptional harmony.
If you seek a unique and inspiring experience, do not miss these magical moments in Mauritius. Come and immerse yourself in the festive spirit and spirituality that animate each celebration. The island welcomes you with open arms to offer you a journey that will transform your perspective on the cultural richness of our planet.
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