Holi Celebration in Mauritius 2011

Mauritius has around 63% Indians living in the country. Officially it is an off day and you get ample time to enjoy all the excitement and fun.

“Holika dahan” or “phagwa” bonfire is burnt. Holika’s effigy is made out of straw and bamboo and set on fire. Local singers as well as musicians gather around the pyre and sing holi songs, known as “Chowtaals”. In some areas you will find people burning rubbish and dirt as a symbol of burning away the evil and allowing the righteous to rule. In other words, it signifies victory over evil. Elders usually preside over this holi ceremony. As the holika burns, people play drums and cymbals. This is the time of the year when spring sets in and you bid farewell to winter. It usually takes place in the month of February/March. Holi celebration in Mauritius 2011 will be observed in the month of March on 19th and 20th. Since it is spring, the flowers are in full bloom. It adds to the beauty of the festival.

How is Holi Celebrated in Mauritius

“Gulal” or powder colors are applied on people. This year people will play with “abeer” on March 19th and on March 20th, water colors will be used. Festive events are not uncommon in Mauritius. On the occasion of Holi, “melas” or fairs are organized. These fairs sell sweetmeats, colors, “pichkaris” or holi toys, and other goodies.

Holi is usually played in the morning hours. In the evening, you will see people exchanging sweets and in some cases, you may also receive a small gift or souvenir from your friend or a loved one. If you have not been getting along well with your peers, this is the time to forget differences and renew your relation. Children pay respect to the elders and seek their blessings.

In some houses in Mauritius an elaborate prayer ceremony is arranged. People are invited, sweets and gulal are placed on the altar of their homes. After the prayer service is over, people distribute sweets and embrace each other as a symbol of love and brotherhood. People also wear new dresses. Several days prior to the celebrations, you will find shops selling different colors of gulal and watercolors. Ingredients required for performing prayer services and other rituals during Holi are also available.

Oftentimes a grand dinner is arranged at the venues where the celebrations take place. Earlier holi celebrations used to be elaborate and used to take place for several days. However, over the years, the process has been cut short as people have other household and official chores to address.

Singing and dancing is common and people just enjoy participating in these cultural programs. Also known as “Phagwa”, it is celebrated soon after Shivratri.

Holi celebrations have been taking place ever since Indian immigrants have started residing in this country.

Similarly, holi celebration in Mauritius 2011 is expected to take place with a lot of fanfare.

Last Updated on 28/01/2011