Divali, the festival of lights, is a significant celebration in Mauritius, bringing together the Hindu community and the rest of the population. The festivities are marked by colorful decorations, traditional sweets, and new clothes. For children, Divali is a time of great excitement and joy, filled with activities such as helping with preparations, decorating the house, and sharing sweets with family and friends.
Ishaya and Ishant Raumessur, aged 4, shared their experiences of Divali with 5plus.mu. They explained that the celebrations begin with a thorough cleaning of the house, followed by the creation of rangolis, a traditional art form. They also enjoy making and eating traditional sweets such as gâteaux patate, laddoos, and rasgoullas. The siblings emphasized the importance of decorating the house with colorful lights and wearing new clothes during the festival.
Inisei Ungapen, 12, has a deeper understanding of the traditions and significance of Divali. She explained that the festival involves a series of rituals, including the lighting of traditional lamps, known as diyas, to welcome the goddess Lakshmi and bring prosperity and happiness to the family. Inisei also highlighted the importance of prayer and the preparation of traditional sweets during the festival.
For Jelen and Jeven Thanthanee, aged 6 and 4 respectively, Divali is a time of great fun and excitement. They enjoy decorating the house with lights and helping their mother prepare traditional sweets. Jelen explained that the lights symbolize the victory of good over evil, while Jeven emphasized the joy of sharing sweets with family and friends.
The Soobrayen family in Pereybère also celebrates Divali with great enthusiasm. Seelaiven, 5, enjoys decorating the house with colorful lights and wearing new clothes. Her mother, Selveena, teaches her the traditional ways of celebrating Divali, including the lighting of oil lamps and the preparation of traditional sweets.
According to legend, Divali commemorates the return of the god Ram to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The festival is also dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and wealth. The celebrations involve a series of rituals, including the cleaning and decoration of homes, the lighting of diyas, and the sharing of traditional sweets.
The true beauty of Divali lies not only in the lights and sweets but also in the acts of generosity, reunions, and sharing that take place during the festival. As the people of Mauritius come together to celebrate Divali, they are reminded of the importance of peace, love, and unity. The festival serves as a beacon of light, guiding individuals towards a path of positivity and harmony.
Key points
- Divali is a significant celebration in Mauritius, marked by colorful decorations, traditional sweets, and new clothes.
- Children in Mauritius play an active role in the celebrations, helping with preparations and sharing sweets with family and friends.
- The festival is rooted in Hindu traditions and legends, but has become an integral part of Mauritian culture, promoting unity and harmony among its people.
