Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, is one of the most amazing celebrations to attend in Mauritius. In Mauritius, Ganesh Chaturthi is a vivid and colorful celebration that has been held since 1896 and is regarded as the most popular holiday of the year. Processions of devotees dance and sing as they weave their way through the streets of Mauritius towards the nearest sea or river during this festival. To the accompaniment of drums, bells, and cymbals, brightly colored clay idols of Lord Ganesh are carried in procession on tiny platforms. When the procession reaches the river, the clay effigies are immersed in it, where they slowly dissolve. Some devotees choose to do their own private immersion ceremony, while many others join in on the fun and festivities.

The effigies are thrown into the river because Lord Ganesh, like the other gods, was allotted to one of the universe's five elements. Water was his element. The clay figurines are designed to dissolve in water, enabling Ganesh to return to his natural habitat until the next Ganesh Chaturthi in Mauritius.

Date: 31st August – 1st September