Hinduism Celebrated!

You like white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons, but this is not enough for you ? You would also like to take advantage of your vacation to feed your soul and your thirst for knowledge of new cultures? Well, the Indian Ocean islands could well be a dream destination for you! The Indian Ocean islands are indeed known for their openness and tolerance of all cultures and religions. There are a multitude of religious festivals but the Hindu celebrations are amongst the most spectacular. To attend one of these celebrations remains for Hindus as well as those practicing other faiths a memorable event. Quick overview of these celebrations...

Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, is one of the most spectacular celebrations of March. Participants splash water with colored powders on their face and clothing. It's a rainbow party where everyone celebrates the joy and prosperity in families and homes.

The Thaipoosam Cavadee represents the cleansing of evil. The Tamil carry on their shoulders the Cavadee profusely decorated from their home to the temple. Fasting, music, fatigue and prayers allow men to go into a sort of trance to be closer to God. They pierce their body with needles or hooks on which they hang small objects. This is a very impressive celebration for Tamils to observe discretely. 

Maha Shivaratree or the Night of Lord Shiva, is held in the month of February or March. During the ceremony, pilgrims dressed in white, the symbol of purity, go to Grand Bassin, in Mauritius, a sacred lake where water from the Ganges was poured in 1972. They carry the traditional Kawar, decorated with multicolored flowers, bells and pictures or statues of Shiva. Over 60% of the Mauritian population is Hindu, so it is best to follow the procession on foot due to the large crowd at Grand Bassin.

Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of the year in towns and villages. It is celebrated in honor of the God Ganesh, the God of prosperity, and marks the triumph of good over evil. During the night of Diwali, all the houses are illuminated with rows of traditional clay lights or lights of all colors. Traditional cakes are shared within families but also in the streets, with neighbors. This moment provides a magical spectacle that should not be missed in November.

All these festivals are celebrated in a very pious way, with specific rituals. This is the kind of event that one rarely sees in Europe. They are a pleasure to the eyes and a unique opportunity to discover a little-known Indian culture. Color, dance, music, cakes are honored to celebrate the Gods. Although celebrated throughout the Indian Ocean, it is mainly in Mauritius that are held large-scale demonstrations, like the ones you see in India. People make the trip from Reunion, South Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka to Mauritius to participate in these celebrations.

For those interested in a spiritual journey, here are the dates of the celebrations for the year 2015:

- Thaipoosam Cavadee: February 3

- Maha Shivaratree: February 17

- Holi: March 6

- Ougadi or Hindu New Year: March 21

- Diwali: November 11