Mauritius festivals feature a diverse character due to the intermingling of different cultural and ethnic groups in Mauritius. The festivals in Mauritius are celebrated with great pomp and grandeur by the people of the island. There are a large number of festivals celebrated in Mauritius whereby people completely decked up in colorful attires join hands to be a part of the extravaganza.
Some of the
Mauritius festivals are as follows:
- Diwali – This Hindu festival celebrated by the Indo-Mauritian is enjoyed by everyone of Mauritius irrespective of their ethnic and religious background. The festival of lights depicts the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after killing the demon king Ravana. It is celebrated during the month of October or November.
- Holi - The festival of color of the Hindus is taken part by members of all sections of people in Mauritius. It is celebrated in the month of March.
- Mahashivratree – This festival is celebrated by a pilgrimage to 'Grand Bassin'. Pilgrims clad in white dresses carry water suspended from bamboo slits on their shoulders. It is usually held in February or March.
- Cavadee – This festival is celebrated by Tamil Indians in Mauritius. After a period of fasting, devotees pierce different parts of their bodies and carry offerings on their back to the deities. Fire walking is also a vital ritual of this celebration.
- Christmas Day - The day of 25th December is celebrated with extreme enthusiasm by all the communities of Mauritius.
- Easter – The Easter holidays are observed by the Christians with reverence and respect. Easter holidays fall in March or April.
- Eid-Ul-Fitr – This Muslim festival at the end of the holy fast of Ramzan is celebrated by all Mauritian with happiness and thanksgiving.
- Chinese New Year – This spring festival is observed by the Sino-Mauritians and is enjoyed by all.
The
festivals of Mauritius also include New Year on 1st January, Ganesh Chaturthi and All Saints Day on 1st November.
