What to do in Mauritius to celebrate Diwali?

Celebrating Divali in Mauritius: A Luminous and Unforgettable Experience

Divali, also known as Diwali, is a grand festival in Mauritius, where Mauritians of all origins come together to celebrate unity, light and prosperity. It’s a time for families and friends to get together, a time when the island is literally lit up with thousands of lights and garlands. If you’re planning to live in Mauritius, discovering Divali will immerse you in the island’s rich culture and give you a taste of its warmth and diversity.

1 Divali: History and Origins

• The legend of Rama and Sita: Divali has its origins in the Hindu epic Ramayana, recounting the triumphant return of Rama and Sita after 14 ans d’exil. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps to celebrate their return, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
• The goddess Lakshmi: The festival also pays homage to Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, invited into the home with decorations and prayers to bring abundance and good fortune.
• Spiritual message: Divali represents the eradication of ignorance, spiritual purification and the elevation of the spirit, values that are reflected in rituals of light and sharing.

2 How Mauritians celebrate Divali

• Home decoration: Mauritians decorate their homes with clay lamps, garlands of light and rangolis to attract luck and prosperity, creating a fairytale atmosphere all over the island.
• Sweet exchanges: cakes such as “gato patate” and “laddoos” are prepared and shared, symbolizing generosity and the joy of being together.
• Family rituals and prayers: Families gather to honor deities and share prayers, strengthening spiritual and family ties.

3 Divali must-sees in Mauritius

• Public illuminations: the island’s streets, shopping centers and landmarks, such as Bagatelle Mall or Port-Louis, are adorned with luminous decorations.
• Dance and music shows: Special events showcase traditional Indian dance and music, offering residents and visitors a total immersion in the culture.
• Fireworks: To mark the celebration, fireworks light up the island’s skies, adding a magical touch to an already glittering festival.

4 Cultural Activities and Special Markets for Divali

• Rangoli and mehendi workshops: Take part in creative rangoli and mehendi workshops at various cultural venues.
• Art exhibitions at the Caudan Arts Centre: Temporary exhibitions showcase traditional Indian art inspired by Divali.
• Traditional markets and fairs: Fairs like Quatre Bornes offer decorative items, traditional clothing and Indian culinary specialties.

5 Take advantage of Divali to explore Mauritian life

• Meet the locals: The friendliness of Mauritians is particularly felt during Divali, offering a great opportunity to interact with residents and discover their culture.
• Discover the spirit of sharing: During this period, Mauritians willingly exchange sweets and meals, a symbol of generosity and hospitality.
• Exploring local spirituality: As Divali is a festival rooted in spirituality, it’s an ideal time to discover temples, attend ceremonies and better understand the values that unite Mauritians.

May Divali, the festival of lights, inspire you to discover the beauty and cultural diversity of Mauritius.

Frequently asked questions

When is Diwali celebrated in Mauritius?

The date follows the Hindu lunar calendar and generally falls between October and November. It is a national public holiday in Mauritius.

Key takeaways:

• Diwali, the festival of light, is a national public holiday celebrated by all Mauritian communities.
• The island lights up with thousands of lamps; families and neighbours share cakes and sweets.
• Its origins go back to the Ramayana: the return of Rama and Sita after 14 years of exile.

Is Diwali celebrated by all communities?

Yes: in Mauritius, people of all origins come together around this festival of light, a symbol of unity and prosperity — the island lights up with thousands of lamps.

What are the origins of Diwali?

The festival is rooted in the Ramayana: the triumphant return of Rama and Sita after 14 years of exile, celebrated by the people of Ayodhya who lit lamps.

What should you do during Diwali if you live in Mauritius?

Admire the illuminated houses and neighbourhoods, share the sweets offered by neighbours and soak up the unique atmosphere — a glimpse of the cultural richness described in our guide to living in Mauritius.