Mauritius, a small yet vibrant island in the Indian Ocean, enjoys two main climates: the warm, humid summer and the cooler, breezier winter. While summer, from November to April, is known for its grand pilgrimages and colourful outdoor processions, winter, from May to October, brings a quieter charm filled with meaningful cultural and religious celebrations. These festivals showcase the island’s rich multicultural heritage, where people of different faiths live together in harmony and often share in one another’s traditions.
Eid-il-Fitr (date varies)
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most important events for the Muslim community, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time of thanksgiving, joy, and generosity. Families begin the day with special prayers at mosques, followed by festive meals enjoyed with relatives, neighbours, and friends. Traditional dishes such as biryani, savoury samosas, and sweet delicacies like gulab jamun and rasgulla are lovingly prepared. In the spirit of hospitality, visitors are often welcomed into Muslim homes, making Eid a celebration that reflects both faith and friendship in Mauritian society.
Ganesh Chaturthi (August-September)
Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm. Clay statues of Ganesha are crafted and decorated, then placed in temples and homes for prayers. Devotional songs, traditional dances, and offerings create a festive atmosphere. The highlight is the procession where statues are carried to rivers or the sea for immersion, symbolising renewal and the cycle of creation. The music of drums and conch shells, along with the sight of flower garlands, brings communities together in an uplifting spirit of unity.
Divali (October-November)
Divali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated events in Mauritius. Rooted in Hindu tradition, it symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In preparation, families make sweets such as ladoos and barfis, which are shared with neighbours and friends as a gesture of goodwill. On the evening of Divali, homes, gardens, and streets are lit with rows of oil lamps, called diyas, and colourful fairy lights. The island glows with warmth and joy, as people of all backgrounds join in the celebration, enjoying the lights, the food, and the spirit of unity.
A Celebration in Every Season
Although Mauritius is small, it offers a calendar of festivals that unite its diverse communities throughout the year. Winter, in particular, brings meaningful celebrations filled with devotion, tradition, and hospitality. Whether joining a Muslim family for Eid, walking alongside a Ganesh procession, or admiring the beauty of Divali lamps, visitors will discover that each festival is not only a religious observance but also an expression of Mauritian togetherness. Experiencing these moments allows one to connect with the island’s essence: harmony, generosity, and joy.
