“This is my third year celebrating and I can’t wait to do it again next year”: A foreigner’s account of experiencing Mahashivaratri in Mauritius

Mahashivaratri is one of those Hindu festivals that is celebrated not only in Indian sub-continents but across the globe. One such country that celebrates the glory of Shiva is the island nation of Mauritius. Surprised, right? For many travellers, Mauritius is synonymous with untouched beaches, honeymoon vibes, and Creole culture. But this heartfelt video on Instagram shared by Ilona Aubert will change your view of Mauritius in seconds. The island reveals a spiritual side of the island nation where Mahashivaratri is being celebrated as the Great Night of Lord Shiva. In her social media post, IIona calls Mahashivaratri as her favourite time of the year and how she has been a part of the festivities from the past three years. She speaks of walking modestly, compared to pilgrims who walk for days. And how she holds deep respect for their devotion. Her words captured a feeling many visitors and locals alike experience during this sacred period.Describing her love for the festival, she says, “Come celebrate Mahashivaratri in Mauritius with me. This is my third time doing it and I love it more each time. The energy was incredible, I was so happy. This was the first time I didn’t go all the way to the Grand Bassin itself. Instead we walked from Vacoas to Plaine Sophie and spent the day helping at the stand doing human service. Everyone was so kind and so welcoming and I felt like I was a part of the family and the community.”Mahashivaratri: The soul of Hindu Mauritius For those who don’t know, Mauritius is home to one of the largest Hindu populations outside India, and Mahashivaratri is among the most significant religious events on the island. It is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per mythology, this is the day when Shiva and Parvati got married. It’s a day of devotion, celebration and serving humanity.In the video, IIona also talks about the community service which she loves the most about the Maha Shivaratri celebration in Mauritius. “Everyone was so kind and so welcoming and I felt like I was a part of the family and the community. And honestly this is where I feel most aligned. I met so many amazing people and I am really grateful that I could contribute through service. What I love the most about Maha Shivaratri beyond the religious and cultural aspects is the community service. Everyone helps each other in their own way. From money, service, walking, everyone contributes what they can”, she says.The Ganga Talao in MauritiusThe celebration here is centered around the Grand Bassin lake, also known as Ganga Talao by locals. As per belief, the lake is spiritually connected to the River Ganga in India. In the days leading up to Mahashivaratri, hundreds of pilgrims walk from their homes to Grand Bassin, carrying kanwars. A spiritual journeyWhat sets Mahashivaratri in Mauritius apart is the scale. Devotees walking the roads, covering long distances over several days. It’s a divine spectacle, coastal roads filled with Hindu pilgrims chanting prayers, sharing food, supporting humanity and doing charity services. For a foreign traveller, witnessing such an event is a deeply moving experience. Grand Bassin turns into a sea of devotees’ devotion. Oil lamps flickering along the pathways, processions carrying idols of Ganesha, Kali, Parvati and more, people dancing and chanting mantra, is a frenzy so rare. The Mauritian air carrying the fragrance of incense and flowers is a different experience. Many observe fasts on the day, spending the night in prayer and meditation.A different Mauritian experience Experiencing Mahashivaratri in Mauritius shows the country’s diversity. A place where Indians and Africans coexist harmoniously, bound together by mutual respect. The whole point is practicing spiritually and submerging yourself in Shiva’s devotion. As many who experience it say, including voices like Ilona, it is a time when the island feels aligned.“This is how the entire country shows up for each other and this is how the community works so beautifully. At the end of the day, we started walking back to Vacoas as the sun went down, the energy shifted and the nightlife was so different. You could see the beautiful Mauritian flags everywhere and what I love is how patriotic and how proud everyone is, we are one nation walking together. This is my third year celebrating and I can’t wait to do it again next year,” and she signs off. Until next year.