Divali in Mauritius

When did the Divali in Mauritius start?

The first recorded date of Divali in Mauritius being celebrated on October 20 was in the year 1962.

About Divali in Mauritius Holiday

The small island of Mauritius is renowned for its beautiful beaches, lush forests and hospitable people. During the fall months, the islanders come together to celebrate one of their most honored traditions: the Hindu Festival Of Lights known as Divali.

Divali is a five-day festival which is celebrated by millions of Hindus around the world, with a particular focus on the island of Mauritius. During the festivities, the people of Mauritius take time to enjoy themselves, gather with family and friends, and to give thanks for what they have received in the past year.

At the heart of Divali are the traditional symbols, customs, and religious practices that have been passed down through many generations. Homes, streets, and public places are filled with lights and decorations in the lead up to the festival. Special snacks, treats, and sweets are also prepared in preparation for the festival.

The celebrations conclude with a night time parade of dazzling lamps, accompanied by music and singing. Divali then culminates with a spectacular firework display over the sea, at which point the celebrations come to an end until the following year. It is an incredibly joyful and visually stunning time to be on the island of Mauritius, and so every year, many tourists come to witness and experience the festivities for themselves.

Divali in Mauritius

History and Origin

Divali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the popular and widely celebrated festivals in Mauritius. The festival of lights is highly anticipated in the beautiful island nation known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Divali is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘Dipavali’ and is a five-day celebration that honors Rama on his return to his kingdom after a fourteen-year exile. According to Hindu mythology, the festival marks the victory of light over darkness.

The history of Divali can be traced back to the ancient era of Indian civilization when the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata were narrated. During that time, people celebrated Divali with festive lamps to honor Rama’s return.

In modern Mauritius, Divali is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, with people taking part in a variety of activities to mark the beginning of the festive season.

Significance and Meaning

Divali is an important festival that holds great religious and cultural significance for the Hindu community in Mauritius. The festival is celebrated to honor the victory of good over evil. Divali also marks the beginning of the New year for the Hindu population.

The celebration is symbolic of the light of knowledge and hope, signifying the triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness. It also marks the end of the harvest season, which is typically around October and November.

Divali is believed to bring prosperity and luck to those who observe it, as well as to reaffirm the Indian cultural values and philosophy. The festival is an occasion for exchanging sweet with friends and relatives.

Traditions and Celebrations

Divali is celebrated with a number of rituals and customs. The five days of celebration include many traditional activities, such as cleaning the house, decorating with lights, and wearing new clothes.

On the day of Divali, people dress up in new clothes and gather around lit lamps (called Diyas) for prayers. offerings are made to goddess Lakshmi who is believed to bring wealth and prosperity.

On the fifth day, people visit friends and relatives to exchange sweets and gifts. Fireworks are set off to light up the skies, and children often play games with sparklers.

Geographical Spread

Divali is celebrated all over Mauritius, especially in the urban areas. The festivities are particularly popular in the north-west, where the majority of the Hindu population resides.

In the capital city of Port Louis, this festival is widely celebrated. Here, the streets are filled with lights and decorations, people throng markets to purchase gifts for their family members and friends, and sweets are exchanged between people.

In the south, Divali is celebrated mainly in the towns of Souillac, Savanne, and Plaine des Papayes. People in the south of Mauritius gather on temple grounds to perform puja and sing devotional hymns.

In the north, the biggest celebration is held in the town of Goodlands, where a large number of devotees gather at the local temple every year.

Modern Day Observations

Divali is still celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mauritius. In modern-day, the celebrations are more elaborate, with people competing to put up the best decorations and display the most fireworks.

The traditional rituals have been updated to include parades and cultural shows, where people from all walks of life can take part. There are also sports competitions and shopping fairs held during Divali.

The festival has also created an economic boost as people tend to spend heavily during this time. This has encouraged an increase in sales and revenues for local businesses.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• Divali is a five-day festival which starts with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Goverdhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

• The four days of celebration represent different aspects of Divali – cleansing and purification (Dhanteras), honoring the dead (Naraka Chaturdashi), worshipping Lakshmi (Lakshmi Puja), and celebrating brotherhood (Bhai Dooj).

• On the day of Dhanteras, people clean and decorate their homes, set up Diyas, and prepare festive dishes.

• People celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi by bathing and dressing in festive costumes early in the morning. They then light a lamp of ghee and water filled in a copper pot.

• On the day of Lakshmi Puja, people set up pandals at home and in temples to worship Lakshmi.

• On the fourth day, Goverdhan Puja is observed to honor Lord Krishna with prayers and offerings.

• On the fifth day, Bhai Dooj is celebrated, which is an occasion for brothers and sisters to share their love and wishes.

Holiday Wishes

1. Wishing you a Divali full of joy, hope, and positivity.
2. May the light of Divali bring you peace, prosperity, and success.
3. May your life be illuminated with endless possibilities and success.
4. Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyful Divali.
5. May the light of Divali fill your life with joy and happiness.

Holiday Messages

1. Wishing you the best of luck and fortune this Divali.
2. May you celebrate the festival of lights with love and joy.
3. Wishing you a Divali full of warmth, harmony, and colors.
4. May this Divali bring peace, happiness, and joy into your life.
5. Wishing you a safe and prosperous celebration.

Holiday Quotes

1. “Let the spirit of Divali light up your home and heart.”
2. “Celebrate the power of good over evil this Divali.”
3. “Divali is the festival of life and light.”
4. “Let the light of Divali answer all your prayers.”
5. “Divali is the festival of peace and joy.”

Other Popular Holiday Info

Divali is celebrated all over the world, and in Mauritius, the festival has a unique flavor to it. Here, the festival is a time to show appreciation for friends and family, remember the past and look forward to the future.

The festivities are also a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the community and foster bonds between neighbors. Even individuals from different religions come together to celebrate the festival.

In addition to traditional celebrations, modern Divali festivities also include art exhibitions, fashion shows, parades, musical events, and more.

A reminder that festivals like Divali are not just about fun and enjoyment but also a time to remember our cultural values and the importance of being peaceful.
Divali stands for unity and togetherness and is the perfect occasion to be mindful of these values and appreciate our loved ones. May the spirit of Divali bring peace and joy to your lives.