Diwali, also called Divali or Dipavali, is the most important hindu festival. This year, it falls on Thursday 31st of October (on the same night as Halloween), but celebrations start already in the week preceding that day. It is believed that on the night of Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi enters the house from the main door. That is why you might see things in front of the main gate of houses which will please Goddess Lakshmi. Expect homes to be decorated with gorgeous fairy lights, color garlands, candle lights and beautiful Rangolis on the floors, doorsteps and courtyards. Rangolis are traditionally created with color rice flour, flower petals and designed in various mandala shapes. This magical celebration is also the occasion for families to get together, exchange presents, wear new clothes, pray or enjoy gateaux and indian sweet treats. Expect also to hear a lot of fire crackers in the streets on the night of the festival, traditionally cracked to ward of evil spirits. Here is how to get in the spirit of Diwali in Mauritius.
How to celebrate Diwali in Mauritius in 2024
1. Get in the mood with music performances
Last few years, the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, had organized national Diwali performances on the week before Diwali in several towns in the center of Mauritius, with the participation of local artists and artists from the Greater Peninsula and with the winners of Indian Idol.
They haven’t yet announced the program for this year, but we can expect similar performances.
2. Join the celebration of Diwali at Ruisseau Créole (Black River)
3. Indulge a festive meal, gateaux and indian sweets from top Indian restaurants on the island
Diwali is that time of the year where you’re allowed to indulge in indian sweets. Typically, Mauritians will offer sweets to their loved ones, sometimes packed in beautiful boxes. In Mauritius, special dishes and snacks are often created specifically for Diwali and some are typically Mauritian, based on recipes passed down from generation to generation. That’s the case of the Gateau Patates, made with sweet potato, filled with sweet coconut and then deep-fried. Those gateaux will be sold across the island during the Diwali weekend.
Among the all time traditional indian sweets favorites, you’ll soon develop cravings for gulab jamun, sometimes refered as indian donut, which are deep-fried dumplings soaked in a sugar syrup laced with rose water. Other irresistible sweets are malai kulfi, ice cream made with creamy milk and chopped almonds, barfis, densely packed sweets usually cut into squares, diamonds or circles or rasmalai, an aromatic dish of cottage cheese dumplings steeped in cardamon-infused milk syrup.
You’ll find those dishes in most Indian restaurants but you’ll find the most traditional indian sweets at Namo India which has branches in Rose Hill and Port Louis, or Jain’s Little India which has branches in Sodnac, Tribecca Mall and Rose Belle.
Most indian restaurants will have special offers on sweets boxes during the month preceding Diwali.
4. Visit beautiful hindu temples in Mauritius
This might be the occasion to visit one of the many hindu temples across Mauritius, as Diwali is also a time for prayers. Read our article on the most stunning Hindu temples in Mauritius to find a selection of the most beautiful and serene temples on the island.
5. Soak up in the festive atmosphere at Triolet
Triolet is a village well known for their grandiose and very elaborate decorations and fireworks displays during Diwali. Keep in mind there might be a lot of traffic to get there.
6. Unleash your inner creativity by designing your own Rangolis or decorating oil lamps with your family
Traditionally, Rangoli is an art of decoration drawn on the floor or the entrances of homes, and is especially popular during Diwali. It is thought to bring good luck, prosperity on the house and in the family, and to welcome guests. You’ll find the colorful flour powder used to create Rangolis in supermarkets across the island, so give it a try if you feel creative.
If you have other ideas or know other events and interesting things to do during Diwali, let us know in the comments or contact us 🙂
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