The feasts and celebrations in Mauritius are celebrated all year round and are as varied as the origin of those who live in Mauritius and their respective faiths and religions. More on Mauritius Festivals.
| New Year |
January 1st |
|
| Yaum un Nabi |
January |
Day of death of prophet Mohammed. |
| Cavadi |
January / February |
Bodies are pierced with needles, tongues and cheeks with pins, devotees in a trance carry the ‘Cavadi’ on their shoulders as a penitence. |
Spring
Festival |
February |
The Chinese New Year is celebrated each year on a different date, owing
to the differences between the lunar and the solar calendars. |
| Eid-Ul-Fitr* |
February |
The Id-El-Fitr festival signals the end of the Ramadan - the fasting
period for Muslim people. |
| Maha Shivaratree* |
February |
Hindus make a pilgrimage to the sacred water of Grand Bassin |
| Holi |
March |
A festival of joy during which men and women throw coloured water and powder on each other and wish one another good luck. |
| Independence Day |
12 March |
Republic Day |
| Ougadi |
March |
Ougadi is the Telugu New Year. |
| Ganesh Chaturthi |
August / September |
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of the lunar month of August/September by Hindus in honour of the birth of Ganesha, God of wisdom. |
| Father Laval |
September |
Mauritians of all faiths walk or drive towards the tomb of the Blessed Jacques Désiré Laval, the «Apostle of the Black People» at Ste-Croix, Port-Louis. |
| Divali |
September / October |
The Festival of Lights is celebrated in a spirit of pure joy, in the month of October or November. Small clay lamps line the walls, balconies and yards. |
| All Saints' Day |
November |
|
| Ganga Asnan |
November |
Hindus go to the sea to take a holy bath |
| Teemeedee |
December |
Highlight of this Hindu feast is the run over glowing coals. |
