Divali is a very important religious Hindu festival in Mauritius, so much, in fact, it has become a public holiday. (Illustration of Lakshmi : Delphine Chklé)
DIVALI is celebrated on a moonless night, during the Kartika (October) month.
In the Indo-Mauritian interpretation of hinduism, Divali is consecrated to the divinities Rama (the illumination of the streets is a remembrance of the return of the King in his Kingdom) and Lakshmi ( said to be the goddess of Light in Mauritius).
The jolly beauty and spiritual impact of the celebration inspire even the christian priest during the following Sunday mass.
Delphine tries to do a Mandala
Divali is an opportunity for hindus to share pastries with their acquaintances, colleagues, neighbours, friends and, no matter their spiritual affiliations or religious beliefs.
Thus, after a purifying bath and the Surya Namaskar (Welcoming of the rising Sun), the faithful wander the island, giving out their small delicious presents.. Delphine had handy-decorated boxes with her own creation of a stylized Ganesh.
Windows and doors remain open, encouraging friends and family to come in. One person stays home too, welcoming the various guests and visitors and their sweet offerings.
Many of the houses dazzle the pilgrims...
with the glitter of the dozens of terra-cotta oil lamps adorning the gardens and courtyards.
We shared pastries, cakes and most importantly this joyful experience with Reena .
Reena is a very passionate, thorough and faithful Hindu, a modern mind that happens to teach English at Lycée Français (French highschool).
She kindly enlightens us on rites’ adaptations to Mauritian culture and their meaning, explaining their various interpretation with great detail.
Then, around 8 p.m, the families head towards the more important townships, also decorated for the occasion. There they attend concerts and dance shows,
such as the one in Quatre-Bornes, broadcasted live on both national TV and radio.
Unfortunately a rainfall had us leave the festivities earlier than expected. ?
Who knows though,maybe it was just a blessing sent from the sky?
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