Diwali in Mauritius is an amazing spectacle, much like Diwali in India. Mauritius accounts a 63% of Indian majority of which 80% follow Hinduism – so naturally the celebration is a lavish affair in the island. In Mauritius, Diwali celebration is an age-old tradition. It holds special importance for the natives, who believe that Diwali dates back to the period when Lord Rama returned from fourteen years of exile after vanquishing demon Ravana.One can witness beautiful rows of candles and lamps lit all over the island, a symbol for triumph of good over evil – light over darkness. These enchanting flickering lights leave people of all faiths basking in its exquisiteness.These lights also symbolize the beginning of summer in the island.
The main day of the five day celebration, Diwali is regarded as a particularly auspicious day by the merchants and businessmen. Therefore, accounts and balances for the previous year are cleared, to go unburdened into the next. Goddess Lakshmi and lord Ganesha are worshiped on this day in order to attain their blessings for peace and prosperity throughout the year. Events are organized by the Indian community on a massive scale where people from every ethnicity can gather and witness the rich Indian culture in the form of cuisine, dance, music, display of fireworks, Indian attire. Lakshmi-Ganesha pujan is done in the evening. After the prayers, Hindus share sweets prepared specially for the occasion with friends, relatives and neighbors of any caste and creed, with respect to the multicultural spirit of Mauritius.