Mauritius Island is located in the Indian Ocean. It is a
small island with a population of over 1.2 million. It is a
very small country but with different cultures, religions
and festivals. Mauritius Island is one of the countries in
the world where you will find culture from almost
everywhere. It is really fascinating to discover the
Mauritian diverse cultures. Each culture has their
traditions and beliefs.
Very fascinating also is while visiting the island you may
find a mosque near a catholic church or a Chinese pagoda
near an Indian temple.
The religions found in Mauritius are mainly Christian,
Hindu, Muslim and Buddhism.
All these different cultures have their traditions and their
festivals.
Here is a list of the Festivals celebrated in Mauritius. If
you are visiting the country during one of the festivals you
are welcome to join and learn about their culture, belief
and traditions.
Chinese Spring Festival or Chinese New Year
The Chinese Spring festival is usually celebrated by the
Mauritian Chinese of the island every year in January or
February. The date depends of the Chinese calendar. The
dominant color during this festival is the red which is the
symbol of happiness. On the day of the Chinese New Year the
customs says that it is not good to use knives or scissors.
Some will go the pagoda to pray. On this day there is a lot
food cooked and offered to the family, it is also a way to
gather the family. During the dinner with family all the
children present will a red envelop containing money. Later
on firecrackers are set off according to the customs it to
drive away the evil spirits. Chinese dancers will perform
the Lion Dance a few days later where the Spring Festivals
ends.
Maha Shivaratree Festival
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The maha Shivaratree is celebrated every year usually in
February in honour of the Lord Shiva. The festival is
celebrated by the Mauritian Hindus; lot of them dressed in
white will walk from every part of the island to the sacred
lake of Grand Bassin, the Hindus will fetch the holy water
of the lake and three or four days ceremonies will take
place.
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Id-El-Fitr Festival
The Id-El-Fitr Festival is celebrated by the Mauritian
Muslim of the island every year. It means the end of the
Ramadan. The Ramadan is a period of around one month during
which the Muslim fast during day time, which means they can
eat only when the sun stop shining in the evening and need
to finish with eating in the morning before the sun shines.
On the day of the festival they exchange gifts with the
relatives and make donation to poor people.
Cavadee Festival
Cavadee is celebrated by the Tamil; it is a very impressive
festival, usually celebrated in January or February every
year. Those participating will have their tongue, cheeks or
part of their body pierced with pins and they carry the
“cavadee” which is usually a wooden decorated with flowers
with a pot of milk. During this period the Tamil will tell
you that the devotees are in trance.
Ougadi Festival
Ougadi is celebrated usually in March or April yearly which
is the Telegu New Year.
Diwali Festival or Festivals of Light
The Diwali Festival is celebrated by the Hindus in October
or November every year. It marks the victory of good over
evil, Rama over Ravana. During this night as from six
o’clock all Hindus will light small clays lamps around the
house and along all the walls. Nowadays lots of houses are
decorated with electrical lights chains. And Indian cakes
are shared to family and neighbors.
Father Laval
The Father Laval is on the 9 of September. Catholic
Mauritian and other religions will walk to Ste Croix in Port
Louis to the tomb of the Blessed Jacques Desire Laval known
here as Père Laval to pray. He was the first person
beatified by the Pope John Paul II after the latter became
pope.
Ganesh Chaturti Festival
The Ganesh Chaturti Festival is celebrated by the Hindus
which commemorates the birth of the God Ganesh. On this day
the Hindus will go to riverbanks or beaches with small
replicas of the elephant head God and it need to be immersed
in water before sunset.
