Thaipoosam Cavadee

Thaipoosam Cavadee is a public holiday in Mauritius that takes place on the full moon of the Tamil calendar's 10th month, which occurs between January and February. Mauritius is the only African country where Hinduism is the majority religion, with Hindus accounting for more than half of the population. Thaipoosam Cavadee is a festival observed in Mauritius by the Tamil minority to express thanks and devotion to the Hindu goddess Parvati and deity Muruga for defeating the bad demon Soorapadman.

Every Hindu temple on the island commemorates the occasion. Flowers are carried through the streets, sacrifices are made, purifying baths are taken, and the cavadee dance is performed. To the beat of traditional music, the throng march along the streets to the temple. Penitents within the temple lay down their offerings to Lord Muruga and remove the hooks from their bodies, a sacrifice intended to purify the souls of worshipers.

Throughout the island, the event is observed at every Hindu temple. Flowers are carried along the streets, sacrifices are brought, cleansing baths are taken, and the traditional Cavadee dance is performed. Bright masses make their way along the streets to the temple to the beat of traditional music. Penitents within the temple lay down their sacrifices to Lord Muruga and remove the hooks from their bodies, a sacrifice meant to purify worshippers' souls. The flag is then lowered, signaling the conclusion of one of Mauritius' strangest but spiritual events.

Date: the full moon in the 10th month of the Tamil calendar, which falls between January and February.