Divali in Mauritius

Divali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually in Mauritius, reflecting the country's rich cultural tapestry and the presence of a large Hindu community.

History and Traditions

Divali commemorates various historical and mythological events, with one of the most popular being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the epic Ramayana. The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

In Mauritius, where Hinduism is practiced by a considerable portion of the population, Divali has been embraced with fervor and is marked as a public holiday. Traditions include:

• Lighting earthen lamps (diyas) around homes.
• Decorating houses with colorful rangoli designs.
• Preparing and sharing special sweets like gâteau patate and barfi.
• Exchanging gifts among family and friends.

Activities on Divali

On Divali day, Mauritian Hindus engage in several activities:

• Cleaning and Decorating: Homes are thoroughly cleaned, painted, or renovated leading up to the festival. Families decorate their homes with lights and diyas.

• Worship (Puja): Many perform Lakshmi Puja to invite prosperity into their homes. Goddess Lakshmi signifies wealth and well-being.

• Festive Foods: A highlight is making traditional sweets that are often vegetarian to keep with the day's purity.

• Fireworks: As night falls, skies light up with fireworks, symbolizing joy and the warding off of evil spirits.

• Social Harmony: While it is primarily a Hindu festival, Divali's message of light conquering darkness resonates across different communities in Mauritius. People from various backgrounds participate in festivities, promoting social harmony.

These customs reflect both religious significance and cultural practices that contribute to Mauritius' diverse societal fabric.