When did the Dussehra in Mauritius start?
About Dussehra in Mauritius Holiday
Dussehra is a special holiday celebrated all over the world, but especially in Mauritius. It is celebrated in honor of the Hindu god Lord Rama, who symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is believed that on the day of Dussehra, Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana.
The unique celebration of Dussehra in Mauritius is marked not only with religious celebrations but with a cultural jamboree. The highlight of the day is the Parade of Lights, in which groups of people dressed in spectacular costumes dance and sing to the rhythm of drums and drums along the streets. Various forms of traditional art like plays, songs, dances and acrobatics are also performed throughout the day. The religious events take place in temples around the country, decorative lights and paper lanterns are hung for the occasion, and people come together with family and friends to mark the event.
On Dussehra, people offer prayers and perform spiritual activities in order to seek blessings for health and happiness. People indulge in sweet dishes as a symbol of joy and offer aarti and prasad to the gods. The day is also marked by an exchange of gifts, which adds fun and festivity to the occasion. Dussehra marks the culmination of 10 days of traditional celebrations and it is a time for joy and hope for the people of Mauritius.
History and Origin of Dussehra in Mauritius
Dussehra is a Hindu festival that is celebrated by Indians all around the world, including in Mauritius. Originating in the Indian Subcontinent, the festival marks the victory of Lord Ram over the demon Ravana, a triumph of good over evil. Over the centuries, people have started adopting local customs and incorporating them into the celebration. This has been the case for Mauritius, leading to the unique celebration of Dussehra on the island.
The main celebrations of Dussehra in Mauritius occur during the Hindu month of Ashvin, with the 10th day falling on the day of Dussehra. On the day of Dussehra, devotees gather and perform a puja to Lord Ram, signifying the triumph of good over evil. As part of the puja, an effigy of Ravana is set up, and later, it is set afire in the presence of Hindu deities. The fire is meant to symbolize the burning of Ravana’s ego, and is also a demonstration of the power of good over evil.
Dussehra in Mauritius usually sees a major influx of non-Hindu Mauritians who want to partake in the celebrations. Although the festival relates to a much older Hindu epic, people from all kinds of religions and communities gather around the Ramlila grounds to join in the festivities. This is a unique feature of the festival, as it demonstrates how it has been assimilated into the local culture.
Significance and Meaning of Dussehra in Mauritius
Dussehra in Mauritius is celebrated as a festival of victory. It marks the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana, which according to the Hindu mythology, was a triumph of good over evil. The marking of this victory is meant to signify that truth and justice are more powerful than any other force in the world, and that these principles should always take precedence.
The festival also has a great spiritual significance for the Mauritian Hindus. It is seen as a time for renewal and rejuvenation of the soul, and it gives the devotees an opportunity to seek the blessings of the gods. Dussehra in Mauritius is also seen as a time to cleanse the soul and to get rid of any negative energy that may be present in one’s life.
Traditions and Celebrations of Dussehra in Mauritius
Dussehra celebrations in Mauritius start off with a grand assembly of devotees, some days before the actual day of the festival. This is to ensure that all the rituals and arrangements have been made, and all the necessary preparation is taken care of. During this time, devotees organize various cultural events and programs, such as Ramlila, in which the entire story of Lord Ram is enacted by amateur artists and actors.
On the day of Dussehra itself, devotees gather at the Ramlila grounds, and perform a puja to Lord Ram, seeking his blessings. This is followed by ritualistic dances and songs, dedicated to the gods. In the evening, the effigy of Ravana is set afire in a grand procession, in the presence of deities and dancers. This is done to mark the triumph of good over evil.
The celebrations end with a grand feast, in which the devotees share traditional sweets and savories, and exchange gifts.
Geographical Spread of Dussehra Celebrations in Mauritius
Dussehra celebrations take place in various towns and villages throughout Mauritius. The holiest of these venues are the temples dedicated to Lord Ram, which are found in almost all of the major cities. The most popular Ram temple in Mauritius is the Sri Ram Mandir in Curepipe. Other major Ram temples include Sivanandamayi Ram Mandir in Mahebourg, Balaji Mandir in Flacq, and Hindu Samaj Kovil in Port Louis.
Apart from the major cities, celebrations also take place in the villages, with lively festivities taking place in residential areas. The most popular of these is the Ramlila celebration, which takes place in many of the village grounds and squares. These performances usually last for several days, and it is common to see families travel from miles around to witness these performances.
Modern Day Observations of Dussehra in Mauritius
The modern-day celebrations of Dussehra in Mauritius have retained much of the traditional customs and traditions. However, the festivities have been infused with a hint of modernity, to attract the younger generation to the festival. This includes the hiring of professional drama troupes to perform the Ramlila, as well as live Bollywood music performances.
Moreover, with the increased visibility of the Hindu culture, there is also a surge of non-Hindu visitors who attend the celebrations. As a result, the events of Dussehra are now organized for both Hindus and non-Hindus, with food stalls, cultural activities, and arts and crafts available on-site.
Interesting Facts or Trivia About Dussehra in Mauritius
• The burning of the Ravana effigy is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. Each year in Mauritius, these effigies are constructed to resemble the demon king Ravana, with three heads and made out of paper mache.
• Dussehra in Mauritius marks the tenth day of the Hindu lunar calendar, and it is usually celebrated in the autumn months of September or October.
• During Dussehra, a special dessert called Kartik Prasad is offered to Lord Ram and shared among the devotees. This sweet is said to be a representative of the food offerings made during the puja.
• Special rites and rituals are commonly performed by devotees as part of the celebrations, including the offering of sweetmeats to Lord Rama, and the placement of the idols of Ram, Lakshman, and Sita on an altar.
• Every year, a special offering called the Sarasvati Puja is performed in some temples. Here, devotees place an image of Goddess Sarasvati and worship her as the embodiment of knowledge and learning.
• One of the unique features of Dussehra in Mauritius is the practice of fasting for the entire week. Many devotees fast strictly, and abstain from all types of food.
• On the day of Dussehra, many Mauritians wear traditional dress, usually sarees or dhoti-kurtas for women and children respectively.
• Many houses are brightly decorated, with colorful rangolis, or flower garlands on their doors.
Holiday Wishes for Dussehra
1. May this Dussehra bring joy, peace, and prosperity to you and your family.
2. May the sacred festival of Dussehra bring you good luck, success, and happiness.
3. Wishing you and your family a very safe and prosperous Dussehra.
4. May Lord Rama bless you with health, wealth, and prosperity on the occasion of Dussehra.
5. Wishing you lots of joy and happiness on the holy festival of Dussehra.
Holiday Messages for Dussehra
1. Celebrating Dussehra is a reminder that good will always prevail over evil. Wishing you a day full of joy and faith on Dussehra.
2. May you be surrounded by endless joy and abundance this Dussehra.
3. Wishing you a blessed Dussehra that brings good luck, joy, and happiness in your life.
4. Greetings and best wishes to you and your family on the occasion of Dussehra.
5. May this Dussehra bring you strength, courage, and determination to achieve success in life.
Holiday Quotes for Dussehra
1. “Darkness can never drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate can never drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
2. “Truth never damages a cause that is just.” – Mahatma Gandhi
3. “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character.” – Mahatma Gandhi
4. “Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.” – Mahatma Gandhi
5. “The power of good is much greater than the power of evil.” – Bhagavad Gita
Other Popular Holiday Info About Dussehra in Mauritius
Apart from the religious celebrations, Dussehra in Mauritius is also marked by various art forms and cultural activities. This includes the celebration of bull racing, a Tibetan tradition imported by the migrants of ethnic China. The races usually take place on the beaches and involve two bulls fighting to reach the finish line first.
Annually, a special procession is also organized in honor of Lord Ram, which sees devotees carrying a large idol of the deity through the streets. Other activities include fairs and stalls where devotees buy traditional clothing and jewelry, as well as food stalls offering traditional Mauritian snacks and sweets.
At the end of the day, Dussehra in Mauritius is an opportunity for Mauritians of all religions and beliefs to celebrate together in unity and harmony. It represents the idea that all good and evil is part of the same cycle, and that forgiveness and understanding are necessary for true peace.
Dussehra in Mauritius Also Called
Mahashivratri.
FUN FACT:
In year 1851, Dussehra in Mauritius is celebrated on October 2 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!