Ganesh Chaturthi

Two days before Ganesh Chaturthi, we learned about the public holiday thanks to a Mauritian friend – and of course we were thrilled about the day off 😉

On the day of the celebrations, we went on a trip to the seven waterfalls, a beautiful place here on the island where the water flows from a large basin down the rocks into the next pool. Both at midday on the way there and in the evening on the way back, we saw cars with red flags hanging from the windows, people in colorful clothes, and large golden statues with elephant heads being carried through the streets.

The most beautiful impression of the evening was when cheerful people with pink powder on their faces came towards us from the beach.

Ever since we found out about the holiday, we were curious about what exactly is being celebrated – and why the festival is so important here in Mauritius. So I did some research:

Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival in honor of Lord Ganesha, the god with the elephant head who is considered the remover of obstacles. It takes place every year in August or September, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. In India, it is celebrated especially grandly in Maharashtra, but it also holds a firm place in the religious and cultural life of Mauritius.

The celebrations last for several days. Families and communities decorate Ganesha statues with flowers and offerings, prayers are recited, and songs are sung. At the end of the ceremonies, the statue is traditionally immersed in a river or the sea – a symbolic farewell that expresses impermanence and new beginnings.

The fact that this festival is celebrated so vibrantly in Mauritius is closely linked to the history of the island. After the abolition of slavery in 1835, the British colonial rulers needed new laborers. Between 1834 and 1920, hundreds of thousands of Indians came here as indentured laborers. With them came their languages, customs, religions, and festivals – including Ganesh Chaturthi. Today, people of Indian origin make up the majority of the population, and their traditions are an important part of cultural life.

For us, this holiday was not only a day off, but also an opportunity to experience an important part of Mauritian culture. It is impressive to see how history, religion, and community come together on this small island and make it flourish so colorfully.