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Culture & Traditions

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In Mauritius, our culture is like a colorful quilt made from the diverse backgrounds of our people and our unique place in the world. 

We’re proud of the mix of traditions we’ve inherited from Africa, Europe, India, and Asia, which come together to create something special here on the island. With families rooted in Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, Creole, Franco-Mauritian, Chinese, and European heritage, our island is a vibrant mosaic of cultures and customs. It’s this rich blend that makes Mauritius such a special and inclusive place for everyone who calls it home.

While most Mauritians are Hindu, many also practice Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Mauritius believes in freedom of religion, and everyone has the right to practice their faith. There are no arguments between different religions, and everyone lives together happily, making Mauritius a truly welcoming haven for all.

Hindu traditions like Diwali, Thaipusam, Navaratri, and Maha Shivaratri, and daily rituals, bring vibrant colors and joy to the island’s cultural fabric.

Mauritius enthusiastically celebrates numerous traditional festivals, showcasing its rich ethnic diversity. These celebrations highlight the variety of people living in the country, making it a vibrant and culturally diverse place.

Some of the key national festivals include Slavery Abolition Day on February 1st, National Day or Independence Day on March 12th, and Labour Day on May 1st. Additionally, Mauritius’ diverse religious communities contribute to the vibrant atmosphere by celebrating their respective festivals. Hindus observe Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Ugadi, and Maha Shivratri, during which the devotees make a mass pilgrimage to the most sacred Hindu site in Grand Bassin, where a towering statue of Lord Shiva resides beside the Ganga Talao.

Hindu traditions like Diwali, Thaipusam, Navaratri, and Maha Shivaratri, and daily rituals, bring vibrant colors and joy to the island’s cultural fabric.

Thai Pongal, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Deepavali (Diwali), and Tamil New Year (Puthandu) festivities add an enchanting layer to the island’s cultural mosaic.
Thai Pongal, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Deepavali (Diwali), and Tamil New Year (Puthandu) festivities add an enchanting layer to the island’s cultural mosaic.

Christmas, Easter, Assumption, All Saints’ Day, and Corpus Christi are key Christian and Catholic celebrations in Mauritius, showcasing the island’s religious diversity. 

Christmas, Easter, Assumption, All Saints’ Day, and Corpus Christi are key Christian and Catholic celebrations in Mauritius, showcasing the island’s religious diversity. 

Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Mawlid al-Nabi, and Ramadan in Mauritius enrich the cultural tapestry with Islamic traditions.

Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Mawlid al-Nabi, and Ramadan in Mauritius enrich the cultural tapestry with Islamic traditions.

Chinese New Year, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Festival in Mauritius add vibrant hues of Chinese heritage to the island’s cultural fabric.

Chinese New Year, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Festival in Mauritius add vibrant hues of Chinese heritage to the island’s cultural fabric.