Hinduism in Mauritius
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Hinduism originally came to Mauritius with Indians who worked as indentured servants of European settlers of the island.[1] As of 2000, 48% of the country follows Hinduism.[2]
Hindu Temples in Mauritius
1. Port Louis - chokklingam meenakshi temple 2. Shiv Shakti Temple
Major Hindu festivals
These first Hindus of Mauritius were a heterogeneous lot. They arrived in great waves from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in the North of India and from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the South. Others came from Maharashtra and Gujarat. Despite the disparity of their origins, they found themselves united in hardship, for life as an indentured servant was extremely difficult, humiliating and sometimes even cruel.
One of the biggest festivals on the island is Mahasivaratri, "Siva's Great Night." During this annual Hindu celebration, which takes place in the months of February and March, four to nine days of ceremony and fasting lead up to an all-night vigil of Siva worship.
Other important Hindu festivals in Mauritius
1. Thai Pusam, honoring the South Indian God Muruga. Although it is officially a Tamil holiday, thousands of non-Tamils join in to carry kavadi (like kanwar).
2. Ganesha Chaturthi, a festival occurring on a public holiday assigned to the extensive Marathi-speaking community, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha and just as readily attracts all the island's Hindus, since this God is the Patron of Harmony and is worshiped in all Hindu temples.
3. Diwali, "the Festival of Lights," also known as Dipavali. Divali is so popular it is proclaimed a national public holiday in Mauritius. Not only does it cut across Hindu ethnic barriers, it crosses a few Christian ones as well. During this special time, all temples and some churches light lamps with wicks dipped in oil, and true religious solidarity is felt in an all-encompassing mood of cheerfulness and joy.
[edit] References
- ^ Malik, Rajiv (2003). The Hindus of Mauritius. Hinduism Today. Himalayan Academy. Retrieved on 2007-04-25.
- ^ Mauritius. World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved on 2007-04-25.
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