Multicultural Mauritius – Tradition and Devotion: The Great Night of Shiva

The Great Night of Shiva is the name given to Maha Shivaratri, celebrated each year in Mauritius. It is one of the most important festivals for the Hindu community and usually takes place around February or March. On this occasion, pilgrims from all corners of the island make their way to the sacred lake of Grand-Bassin, also called Ganga Talao, to pay respect to Lord Shiva and bring home the sacred water. According to tradition, the waters of the lake are believed to be symbolically connected with those of the Ganges in India, making it a spiritual focal point for Mauritian Hindus. Prior to the festival, devotees observe ten days of abstinence, participate in daily prayers, and follow a vegetarian diet. A few days before the festival, which is a public holiday in Mauritius, devotees dressed in white, symbolising purity, and carrying their colourful “kanwars” (bamboo structures richly decorated with deities, mirrors, and bells) depart from their homes. They walk in family groups, or with neighbours and friends, toward the sacred lake. Although it is a Hindu festival, many people of different faiths also join the procession, reflecting what makes Mauritius unique: a multicultural island where religions coexist, respect and support one another.

This is how three young friends of different faiths decided to experience the pilgrimage, walking from the town of Curepipe to Grand-Bassin. Also dressed in white, they blended with the crowd moving toward the Ganga Talao. The procession included people of all ages, from children to the elderly, moving in quiet devotion. Some pilgrims had travelled from far away, yet despite the long journey, they did not seem to be tired. The atmosphere was lively, with music playing from loudspeakers along the route. Stations set up under tents provided food and drinks to pilgrims, generously offered by donors of all faiths and organisations.

Upon arriving at Grand-Bassin, our three friends observed devotees praying to the deities, offering milk as part of the rituals. Later, the devotees went to the lake’s edge to pray, recite mantras, and make offerings such as coconuts and bananas. Once the rituals completed, they returned home, having collected the sacred water, which would later be poured over the Shiva Lingam, the sacred stone representing Lord Shiva at their local temples. Around them, groups of young people accompanied by drums danced, while elsewhere, under a tent with a fire, devotees participated in another ritual: holding seeds (usually sesame, barley or rice) in their hands, they walked around the fire seven times, naming a negative quality they wished to rid themselves of each turn, before casting the seeds into the sacred fire.

Late at night, the three friends made their way back home, carrying with them vivid memories of this beautiful procession to Grand-Bassin. What impressed them was the fervent devotion, the sense of fraternity and solidarity, and the rich cultural and spiritual heritage experienced by the pilgrims.

On the very day of the festival, at home, each family devotes itself fully to the preparations for the great night of Shiva. Early in the morning, the family members go to the town or village temple with the water brought back from Ganga Talao. Later, at sunset, they return to the temple to offer prayers and make offerings dedicated to Lord Shiva.

According to tradition, the sacred water is poured over the Shiva Lingam four times while mantras are recited. The prayers continue late into the night until sunrise on the day of Maha Shivaratri. At daybreak, devotees break their fast by sharing a vegetarian meal.

The return to one’s home extends the spiritual experience of the pilgrimage: faith does not end at Grand-Bassin: it continues to live in the heart of every pilgrim and throughout their household.

NadElle.