Maha Shivaratri is a significant Hindu festival in Mauritius, celebrating the great night of Lord Shiva. This holiday is a major event on the Mauritian cultural calendar, bringing together Hindus from across the island nation and beyond to participate in prayers, fasting, and night-long vigils. The festival's timing is determined by the lunar calendar, falling on the 13th night/14th day of every lunar month on the night before the new moon, usually in February or March.
The celebrations involve elaborate rituals and ceremonies, including making traditional offerings to Lord Shiva, consisting of fruits, flowers, and specially prepared food. The rituals of the festival typically start early in the morning and continue late into the night. Devotees journey to the sacred lake of Ganga Talao, where they offer prayers and chant hymns in unison, submerging the area in a serene and holy ambience.
Maha Shivaratri in Mauritius is more than a religious event; it's seen as an opportunity for cultural expression and unity. It provides an occasion for participants to reaffirm their commitment to their faith, their cultural traditions, and their communities. Various cultural events and social services form part of the celebrations, adding a larger societal dimension to this important religious observance. It's a poignant reminder of the multiculturality of Mauritius and the cohesiveness of its people despite their diverse ethnic backgrounds.