Festivals

Maha Shivaratree Every year in February, thousands of pilgrims, all dressed in white, walk along long distances and converge to the sacred lake of Grand-Bassin, carrying the 'Kanwar' - wooden arches covered with flowers and small mirrors. Maha Shivaratree is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva. Hindu devotees fetch holy water from the lake, and ceremonies take place over three to four days.   Cavadee One of the most impressive Tamil festivals, celebrated in January/February. Devotees have their tongue and cheeks pierced with pins. In a trance they show penitence by carrying the 'Cavadee', a wooden arch, covered with flowers and a pot of milk at each end.   Divali Divali is the most jovial of all Hindu festivals. Celebrated in October/November, it marks the victory of Rama over Ravana, of light over darkness. It also commemorates Krishna's destruction of the demon Narakasuram. Small clay lamps line up walls, balconies and yards. The are lit at sunset. Their golden light, which is believed to guide the Goddess of wealth and good fortune into houses, can be seen everywhere.   Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated by Hindus on the 4th day of the lunar month in August/September, it commemorates the birth of God Ganesh. Small replicas of the God are taken to the beaches or on the riverbanks to be immersed before sunset.   Fire Walking This Tamil ceremony takes place between December and February. After ten days of purification, meditation and praying, penitents go to the temple where they walk slowly across a pit of burning coal and then dip their feet in milk to cool down.   Holi This is a time for joy and sharing. Men, women and children throw coloured water and powder on each other and wish one another good fortune.   Ougadi Ougadi is the Telegu New Year and is usually celebrated in March/April.     Chinese Spring Festival The Chinese New Year's Day or the Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Sino-Mauritian community. This festival is preceded by a thorough cleaning of the home and is characterised by the traditional sharing of wax cakes amongst relatives and friends. On that day firecrackers are lit to chase evil spirits.     Easter During Easter, you will find the traditional Easter chocolate eggs on sale everywhere on the island.     Christmas For Christmas, the living room is decorated with a Christmas tree and gifts are offered to the children. Shopping centres and shops are decorated with Christmas decorations. This adds to a festive period celebrated by most and which continues until the new year.     Id-El-Fitr Id-El-Fitr marks the end of Ramadhan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Prayers are offered at mosques during the day.