Diwali, also called Divali or Dipavali, is the most important Hindu festival. This year, it falls on Sunday, November 8th. 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 colored 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 firecrackers in the streets on the night of the festival, traditionally cracked to ward off evil spirits. Here is how to get in the spirit of Diwali in Mauritius.
How to celebrate Diwali in Mauritius in 2026
1. The Grand Diwali Night 2026
On Saturday, 14 November 2026, The Grand Diwali Night will bring an evening of Indian music, dance and festive celebrations to the rooftop of Valentina Hall in Phoenix.
The event will feature Indian singers Vineet Singh and Anita Bhatt, DJ sets by Spiky V and Neil K, and dance performances by Krumania Dance Academy. Guests can also enjoy Indian food, festive décor and bar facilities.
Saturday, 14 November 2026, starting at 6 pm at Valentina Hall, Phoenix. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and outside food and beverages are not permitted. The event is advertised as family-friendly, with tickets limited.
Get your tickets here.
2. Soak up in the festive atmosphere at Triolet or at Telfair Promenade
Triolet is a village well known for its grandiose and very elaborate decorations and fireworks displays during Diwali. Visit the village around Diwali time, and you won’t be disappointed!
3. Enjoy Diwali markets and other celebrations in your favourite malls across the island
Diwali is the perfect time to shop for traditional Indian outfits, decorative diyas, festive accessories and gifts for loved ones. Across Mauritius, shopping centres and local markets embrace the festive spirit with colourful displays, seasonal shopping and family-friendly activities.
Les Arcades Currimjee, Curepipe
Celebrate Diwali with a festive market featuring Indian clothing, traditional lamps, decorations and more. The market will run on 31 October and 4–7 November 2026, from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Families can also bring their little ones to a creative Diwali workshop on 31 October, from noon to 1 pm.
CentrePoint, Trianon
The Diwali Shopping Festival, running from 30 October to 8 November 2026, offers an opportunity to discover festive fashion, fine jewellery, statement accessories and seasonal essentials. A separate family festival is also advertised for 30 October to 2 November, with cultural exhibits and festive activities.
Diwali Shopping Mela, Curepipe
For a more traditional market experience, head to the Diwali Shopping Mela in the courtyard of the Curepipe Municipal Council. Scheduled for 30 October, 31 October and 1 November 2026, the mela offers another opportunity to browse festive merchandise and prepare for the celebrations.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect traditional outfit, decorating your home with lights or enjoying a family outing, these festive markets offer a lovely way to soak up the Diwali atmosphere across the island.
4. Offer gateaux and indian sweets to your friends and family
Diwali is that time of the year where you’re allowed to indulge in indian sweets. Typically, Mauritians will visit their friends and family to offer sweets, often packed in beautiful boxes. You will impress your Hindu friends by following this tradition yourself. In Mauritius, special sweets 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.
Other irresistible sweets which are easy to pack and gift are laddos, made from flour, ghee and sugar, and shaped into small round balls, or barfis, densely packed sweets usually cut into squares, diamonds or circles.
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.
5. Celebrate Diwali with Festive Workshops at Bagatelle Mall
- Free Henna Application: 5–7 November 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Add a touch of tradition to your celebrations with beautiful henna designs.
- Giant Rangoli Workshop: 7 November 2026, from noon to 4 pm. Discover the colourful art of rangoli, traditionally created to welcome prosperity and good fortune.
- Decorative Mirror Workshop: 8 October 2026, from noon to 4 pm. Get creative by designing personalised decorative mirrors.
- Jewellery Atelier: 9 October 2026, from noon to 4 pm. Create your own bracelets inspired by the festive season.
Where: Bagatelle Mall, Moka.
6. 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.
7.Diwali Celebrations at Ruisseau Créole, Black River
Celebrate the Festival of Lights on the west coast at Ruisseau Créole in La Mivoie, Black River, on Friday, 6 November 2026, from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Organised by Ruisseau Créole, the evening will feature live music, an oriental dance show and a range of cultural activities for visitors to enjoy. Guests can try their hand at creating rangoli designs, take part in a free diya-painting workshop and enjoy complimentary mehendi (henna) application. Indian and Mauritian food will also be available.
Whether you’re coming with family or friends, this community celebration offers a lovely opportunity to discover Indian traditions, enjoy live entertainment and share in the festive spirit of Diwali.
Where: Ruisseau Créole, La Mivoie, Black River
When: Friday, 6 November 2026, 6 pm–10 pm
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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