Answered by NAWEED MAUDARBUX from River des Anguilles, Mauritius 1179 days ago

Christmas,eid ul fitr,cavadee,mahashivaratree,sring festival....

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Answered by User34935 1179 days ago

Hi, well there are many religious holidays ,but coming soon we will celebrate our NATIONAL DAY 12/03/2009.

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Answered by Ann Miller from Grand Baie, Mauritius 1179 days ago

There are 13 public holidays in the year, of which the following are fixed:

New Year January 1st and 2nd.
Independence/Republic Day March 12th.
Labour Day May 1st.
All Saints Day November 1st.
Christmas December 25th.
The remaining seven public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year.
Thaipoosam Cavadee January/February.
Maha shivaratree February.
Chinese Spring Festival January/February.
Ougadi March.
Id-El-Fitr May/June.
Ganesh Chaturthi September.
Divali October/November.

FESTIVALS
Mauritians celebrate a variety of festivals originating from three different continents.

Maha Shivaratree (February) is literally "The Great Night of Siva." Hindu devotees set on foot pilgrimage from all over the island for the sacred lake at Grand Bassin, usually carrying a `Kanwar' - light wooden arches covered in flowers. At Grand Bassin, pilgrims collect holy water which is ritually poured over a statuette of Siva in re-enactment of the classical myth according to which Siva's throat had to be cooled down after he drank the poison from the oceans to spare mankind. The seas became poisoned during the churning of the ocean which, according to one creation myth, gave rise to the universe.

Father Laval: On September 9, people of all faiths gather at the shrine of Father Jacques Desire Laval in Ste Croix, Port-Louis. Father Laval was known both for his fight to abolish slavery, and for possessing miraculous healing powers. His shrine is still believed to possess healing faculties and the pilgrimage to Ste Croix is somewhat reminiscent of Lourdes.

Spring festival: (January/February) The Chinese New Year falls on a different day every year because of the adjustment of lunar to solar days. The dominant colour is red, symbolic of happiness. Food is symbolically piled up to ensure that the year will be bountiful, and the traditional wax cake is distributed to relatives and friends. The day is enlivened by the firing of massive quantities of crackers to ward off evil spirits.

Divali is celebrated in October/November and marks the homecoming of Rama after his victory over Ravana and also commemorates Krishna's destruction of the demon Narakasuran. Clay oil lamps are placed inside and in front of every hindu home, turning the island into a fairyland of flickering lights.

Holi: This Hindu festival is as colourful as the numerous legends which inspire it - the most popular of which is the destruction of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu and of the evil Holika by Narasimha, the half-man half-lion incarnation of Visnu. It is a festival of revelry when men and women chase each other, squirting coloured water and powder on one another.

Cavadee: Cavadee is celebrated in January/February primarily by Hindus of Tamil origin in honour of Kartikeya, the elder son of Siva. Cavadee is among the most impressive hindu events: devotees with their tongues, cheeks and body pierced with needles, hooks and skewers, dance their way trance-like to the temple carrying the `Cavadee' - a wooden arch covered with flowers with a pot of milk at each end of its base. The Cavadee is placed before the deity in the temple. At this point, despite the long, hot trek the milk should not be curdled. For some, the penance is even more harrowing because temples are sometimes located on mountain slopes.

Ougadi or the Telugu New Year is celebrated in the month of March. The birthday of Ganesha, the God of wisdom and remover of all obstacles is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by Hindus of Marathi origin on the 4th day of the lunar month of August/September, as the birthday of Ganesha, the younger son of Siva, and traditionally the God of wisdom and remover of all obstacles.

Id-El-Fitr marks the end of Ramadhan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.
Prayers are offered at mosques during the day.

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Answered by Mauséjours Co Ltd from Riviere des Anguilles, Mauritius 1179 days ago

2009:

* New Year
Thursday 1 January
* New Year
Friday 2 January
* Chinese Spring Festival
Monday 26 January
* Abolition of Slavery
Sunday 1 February
* Thaipoosam Cavadee
Sunday 8 February
* Maha Shivratree
Monday 23 February
* National Day
Thursday 12 March
* Ougadi
Friday 27 March
* Labour Day
Friday 1 May
* Ganesh Chathurthi
Monday 24 August
* Eid-Ul-Fitr*
Sunday 20 September
* Divali
Saturday 17 October
* All Saints Day
Sunday 1 November
* Arrival of Indentured Labourers
Monday 2 November
* Christmas
Friday 25 December

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Answered by Mauséjours Co Ltd from Riviere des Anguilles, Mauritius 1179 days ago

2009
1-2 Jan New Year.
26 Jan Chinese New Year.
1 Feb Abolition of Slavery Day.
8 Feb Thaipoosam Cavadee.
23 Feb Maha Shivaratri.
12 Mar National Day.
27 Mar Ougadi.
1 May Labour Day.
24 Aug Ganesh Chathurthi.
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
17 Oct Diwali (Festival of Lights).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
2 Nov First Labourers' Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2010
1-2 Jan New Year.
Jan or Feb Thaipoosam Cavadee.
1 Feb Abolition of Slavery Day.
14 Feb Chinese New Year.
Feb Maha Shivaratri.
12 Mar National Day.
Mar or Apr Ougadi.
1 May Labour Day.
Sep Ganesh Chathurthi.
11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
2 Nov First Labourers' Day.
5 Nov Diwali (Festival of Lights).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
Note
(a) Hindu festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon. The dates given above are approximations. (b) There is a diversity of cultures in Mauritius, each with its own set of holidays. (c) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr may last from two to 10 days, depending on the town or region. (d) Chinese festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is often only possible to forecast the approximate time of their occurrence.

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Answered by Mauséjours Co Ltd from Riviere des Anguilles, Mauritius 1179 days ago

There are 13 public holidays in the year, of which the following are fixed:

1. New Year January 1st and 2nd.
2. Independence/Republic Day March 12th.
3. Labour Day May 1st.
4. All Saints Day November 1st.
5. Christmas December 25th.

The remaining seven public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year.

1. Thaipoosam Cavadee January/February.
2. Maha shivaratree February.
3. Chinese Spring Festival January/February.
4. Ougadi March.
5. Id-El-Fitr May/June.
6. Ganesh Chaturthi September.
7. Divali October/November.

FESTIVALS
Mauritians celebrate a variety of festivals originating from three different continents.

Maha Shivaratree (February) is literally "The Great Night of Siva." Hindu devotees set on foot pilgrimage from all over the island for the sacred lake at Grand Bassin, usually carrying a `Kanwar' - light wooden arches covered in flowers. At Grand Bassin, pilgrims collect holy water which is ritually poured over a statuette of Siva in re-enactment of the classical myth according to which Siva's throat had to be cooled down after he drank the poison from the oceans to spare mankind. The seas became poisoned during the churning of the ocean which, according to one creation myth, gave rise to the universe.

Father Laval: On September 9, people of all faiths gather at the shrine of Father Jacques Desire Laval in Ste Croix, Port-Louis. Father Laval was known both for his fight to abolish slavery, and for possessing miraculous healing powers. His shrine is still believed to possess healing faculties and the pilgrimage to Ste Croix is somewhat reminiscent of Lourdes.

Spring festival: (January/February) The Chinese New Year falls on a different day every year because of the adjustment of lunar to solar days. The dominant colour is red, symbolic of happiness. Food is symbolically piled up to ensure that the year will be bountiful, and the traditional wax cake is distributed to relatives and friends. The day is enlivened by the firing of massive quantities of crackers to ward off evil spirits.

Divali is celebrated in October/November and marks the homecoming of Rama after his victory over Ravana and also commemorates Krishna's destruction of the demon Narakasuran. Clay oil lamps are placed inside and in front of every hindu home, turning the island into a fairyland of flickering lights.

Holi: This Hindu festival is as colourful as the numerous legends which inspire it - the most popular of which is the destruction of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu and of the evil Holika by Narasimha, the half-man half-lion incarnation of Visnu. It is a festival of revelry when men and women chase each other, squirting coloured water and powder on one another.

Cavadee: Cavadee is celebrated in January/February primarily by Hindus of Tamil origin in honour of Kartikeya, the elder son of Siva. Cavadee is among the most impressive hindu events: devotees with their tongues, cheeks and body pierced with needles, hooks and skewers, dance their way trance-like to the temple carrying the `Cavadee' - a wooden arch covered with flowers with a pot of milk at each end of its base. The Cavadee is placed before the deity in the temple. At this point, despite the long, hot trek the milk should not be curdled. For some, the penance is even more harrowing because temples are sometimes located on mountain slopes.

Ougadi is the Telegu New Year. It is usually celebrated in March.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by Hindus of Marathi origin on the 4th day of the lunar month of August/September, as the birthday of Ganesha, the younger son of Siva, and traditionally the God of wisdom and remover of all obstacles.

Id-El-Fitr marks the end of Ramadhan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Prayers are offered at mosques during the day.

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Answered by joanna donice-louis from L'Embrasure, Mauritius 1179 days ago

christmas,fete du printemps,abolition de l'esclavage,thaipoosam cavadee,maha shivaratree,fete nationale,ougadi,ganes chaturthi,eid-ul-fitr,divali,la toussaint,arrivee des travailleurs engages.
these holidays are celebrated every year at different date.
hope that it will help you.

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Answered by Vishwen Conjamalay from Camp Thorel, Mauritius 1179 days ago

Hi, my name is Vishwen. In all we have 13 public holidays in Mauritius. For Example:Useful Dates
The civil Mauritian calendar has 13 Public Holidays for religious events such as :

Thaïpoosam Cavadee
(January)
A Tamil event where the adepts, after 10 days of fasting, pierce their bodies with needles and form a very coloured and animated procession.

Chinese New Year
(beginning of February)
You will admire typical Dragon Dances in certain parts of the island.

Eid Ul Fitr (March)
Represents the end of the Muslims’ fast, and very colourful events take place.

Maha Shivaratree (March)
Is the Hindu pilgrimage to Grand Bassin representing the homage to the goddess Shiva.

Pilgrimage of the Pere Laval (September)
The catholic population goes to the crypt of the priest and missionary of the saint-like Pere Laval.

Ougadi (April)
It is a religious event for the Telegus, illustrating the homage to the Telegu New Year which coincides with the beginning of the Indian harvest. Get togethers, prayers and cakes are common practices during this event.

Ganesh Chaturti (September)
Is a religious event for the Marathis celebrating the anniversary of the God Ganesh, the ceremonial God, half-man, half-elephant, the son of the God Shiva. The adepts pray and make flour or clay statues representing the God Ganesh which they will then drown in a sacred river or in a sacred water point.

Divali (November)
Is a religious event for the Hindus celebrating the victory of Good over Evil, light over darkness. During this occasion, the whole island sparkles with thousands of small lights and lanterns.

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Answered by judex bamboche from Plaisance, Mauritius 1179 days ago

year 2009

1 and2jan New Year.
26 Jan Chinese New Year.
1 Feb Abolition of Slavery Day.
8 Feb Thaipoosam Cavadee.
23 Feb Maha Shivaratri.
12 Mar National Day.
27 Mar Ougadi.
1 May Labour Day.
24 Aug Ganesh Chathurthi.
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
17 Oct Divali (Festival of Lights).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
2 Nov First Labourers' Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

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Answered by Burdy Francois from Baie aux Huitres, Mauritius 1179 days ago

There is 14 hollidays in mauritius
-1-2New Year in January
-Monday 26 January Chinese spring festival
-1st februry Abolition of slavery
-8th februry t.cavadee
-8 februry maha shivatree
-National day in 12 march
-Ougadib in 27 March
-Labour day in 1st may
-Ganesh chaturthi in24 august
-Eoid ul fitr in 20 septembre
-Divali in 1st november
-arrival of indentured labour in 2nd november
-Christmas in 25 december

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Answered by taneshsun beekharry from Trou d'Eau Douce, Mauritius 1179 days ago

there are many as we are multiracial
we hve new year,chrismast,holi,durga pooja,maha shivratree,labour day,spring festival,eid dul fit,divali,rackhi,valentines day,friendship day,cavedee,abolishion of slavery,ganga sanan,ganesh chaturty,independance day,ougadi,All Saints Day

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Answered by Kesaven Moonesamy from Port Louis Town, Mauritius 1179 days ago

Mauritius is among the rare country where all religions in the world are united to celebrate their cultures such as hindus..divali/ maha shivratree..tamils...cavadee...muslims..eid...catholics...easter/christmas...chinese..spring festival and so on...

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Answered by Trisha from Palmar, Mauritius 1179 days ago

2009
> 1-2 Jan New Year.
> 26 Jan Chinese New Year.
> 1 Feb Abolition of Slavery Day.
> 8 Feb Thaipoosam Cavadee.
> 23 Feb Maha Shivaratri.
> 12 Mar National Day.
> 27 Mar Ougadi.
> 1 May Labour Day.
> 24 Aug Ganesh Chathurthi.
> 21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
> 17 Oct Diwali (Festival of Lights).
> 1 Nov All Saints' Day.
> 2 Nov First Labourers' Day.
> 25 Dec Christmas Day.

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Answered by Andrea Rodrige from Grand Baie, Mauritius 1179 days ago

i am wondering about your question.
what holidays are "YOU" celebrating??
regards andrea

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Answered by Nathanel Virginie from Sainte Croix, Mauritius 1178 days ago

hi sorry fr the delay if u can plzzzzzz specify is that public holidays or traveller holidays wait fr ur answer
ciaowwwwwww

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Answered by kavi Ash from Vacoas, Mauritius 1178 days ago

Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. Our population coming from three continents has brought traditions and beliefs from their ancestral countries. Religious festivals are celebrated in a spirit of peace and harmony throughout the year.

There are 15 public holidays in Mauritius every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: 1st & 2nd January, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals with dates which vary from year to year.

Religious Festivals and Public Holidays

January/ February

Thaipoosum Cavadee
Tamil Devotees have their tongue and cheeks pierced with pins.
In a trance they show penitence by carrying the ' Cavadee' a wooden arch, covered with flowers and a pot of milk at each end.

Chinese Spring Festival Chinese New Year' s Day (January/February) is celebrated each year on a different date, because of the adjustment of lunar days to solar days. According to Chinese customs, no scissors or knives are used on the day of the festival. Red, symbol of happiness, is the dominant colour.
Food is offered to ensure abundance during the year, and the traditional wax cake is shared with relatives and friends. Firecrackers are set off to drive away evil spirits.
The Spring Festival ends up with the Dragon Feast a few days later. Chinese dancers and musicians take to the roads and perform the traditional Lion dance.

Maha Shivratree Thousands of pilgrims, all dressed in white, walk long distances and converge to the sacred lake of Grand-Bassin, carrying the ' Kanwar' - wooden arches covered with flowers and small mirrors. Maha Shivratree is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva. Hindu devotees fetch holy water from the lake, and ceremonies take place over three to four days. The whole scene is reminiscent of the great ritual on the banks of the Holy Ganges in India.

March /April
12th of March, National Day On this same date, Mauritian got its independence in 1968 and became a Republic in 1992. Do not miss the National Cultural Show that occurs annually where all the religious communities of Mauritius join hands to celebrate their patriotism. .
Ougadi Ougadi is the Telegu's celebration of New Year
August/ September
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated by Hindus on the 4th day of the lunar month in August/September, it commemorates the birth of God Ganesh. Small replicas of the God with the elephant head are taken to the beaches or to the riverbanks to be immersed before sunset.
9th of September
Every September 9, Mauritians of all faiths walk or drive to Ste-Croix near, Port-Louis to visit the tomb of the Blessed Jacques Désiré Laval, the ' Apostle of the Black People' . The celebration around Père Laval, who is believed to have healing powers, reminds us of the fervour of the Lourdes pilgrimage in France. Father Laval was the first person beatified by Pope John Paul II.

October/November
Diwali Diwali is the most jovial of all Hindu festivals. Celebrated in October/November, it marks the victory of Rama over Ravana, of light (truth) over darkness (ignorance). It also commemorates Krishna's destruction of the demon Narakasuram. Small clay lamps line up walls, balconies and yards. They are lit at sunset. Their golden light, which is believed to guide the Goddess of wealth and good fortune into the houses, can be seen everywhere. Diwali, is a celebration of pure joy, happiness and for many Mauritians, a time for sharing.

December/ February
Fire Walking This Tamil ceremony takes place between December and February. After ten days of purification, meditation and praying, penitents go to the temple where they walk slowly across a pit of burning coal and then dip their feet in milk to cool them down.

Holi
This is a time for joy and sharing. Men , women and children smear each other with coloured water and powder and wish one another good fortune.

Id-el- Fitr
The Id-El-Fitr festival signals the end of Ramadan- the fasting period for people of Moslem faith. They exchange gifts, give to charity, visit the family and wish the best to each other.

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Answered by Danielle Carrim-Lamb from Beau Bassin, Mauritius 1178 days ago

Plenty! Mauritius is a multi-cultural Island so a lot of Bank/Public Holidays... Christian/Catholic, Indian/Asian, Muslim, Chinese etc... You name it, we celebrate it!

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Answered by Jean-Didier Barbe from Rose Hill, Mauritius 1178 days ago

hi

the holidays we celebrate are new year's day,chinese new year,cavedee a tamil festival,mahashivahatree an hindu festival,independence day the national day on the 12th march,abolition of slavery in mauritius,id ul fitr a muslim festival,all saints day,christmas,divali an hindu festival,labour day,arrival of indian indured labourers,ganesh chaturtri another hindu festival

as you can see it is very diverse.there are chinese,christian,hindu,tamil and muslim festivals.those are the one where a public holiday is grated.But you do have some other festive day like easter,chinese lunar festival,ougadi and many more

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Answered by Trisha from Palmar, Mauritius 1177 days ago

I celebrate all the holidays. Thats the beauty of mauritian culture & being born a mauritian

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Answered by James Arekion from Cap Malheureux, Mauritius 1177 days ago

Mauritius has a lot of religious and "world" holidays but the next upcoming is our national day - 12 March, where we celebrate Independance and Republic day.

Here's a list of remaining Public hols in Mauritius:


Independence/Republic Day: March 12th - Thursday.
Ougadi: March 27th - Friday.
Labour Day: May 1st - Friday.
Ganesh Chaturthi: August 24th - Monday.
Eid Ul Fitr: September 20th - Sunday (depend on the visibility of the moon).
Divali: October 17th - Saturday.
All Saints Day: November 1st - Sunday.
Arrival of Indentured Labourers: November 2nd - Monday.
Christmas: December 25th - Friday.

I hope this has helped you.

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Answered by Brigitte Michel from Curepipe, Mauritius 1161 days ago

New Year on 1st and 2nd of January
Spring Holidays (Chinese New Year) 26th of January
Abolition of slavery - 1st of February
Thaipoosam Cavadee - 8th of Feb
Independance day - 12 March
Ougadi - 27 th of March
Naha Shivaratree - 23rd of Febrruary
Labour day - 1st of May
Ganesh Chathurthi - 24th August
Eid UL Fitr - 20th September
Divali - 17th October
All Saints Day - 1st Novmber
Arrival of engaged workers - 2nd of November
Christmas celebrations - 25th December

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Answered by Brigitte Michel from Curepipe, Mauritius 1161 days ago

New Year on 1st and 2nd of January
Spring Holidays (Chinese New Year) 26th of January
Abolition of slavery - 1st of February
Thaipoosam Cavadee - 8th of Feb
Independance day - 12 March
Ougadi - 27 th of March
Naha Shivaratree - 23rd of Febrruary
Labour day - 1st of May
Ganesh Chathurthi - 24th August
Eid UL Fitr - 20th September
Divali - 17th October
All Saints Day - 1st Novmber
Arrival of engaged workers - 2nd of November
Christmas celebrations - 25th December

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Answered by krish from Quatre Bornes, Mauritius 1149 days ago

Mauritius is a multi-racial country and we have 1 or more holidays for each religion each year
(e.g:- Eid, Maha Shivratree, Christmas, Ougadi, Ganesh Chaturti,...) contact me:- krish150@hotmail.com

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Answered by IBRAHIM Bilaal from Grand Baie, Mauritius 991 days ago

Ceck link

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pereybere-Mauritius/Mo-Ti-Zile/106218201237

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Answered by a Localyte from Grand Baie, Mauritius 972 days ago

2010
1-2 Jan New Year.
Jan or Feb Thaipoosam Cavadee.
1 Feb Abolition of Slavery Day.
14 Feb Chinese New Year.
Feb Maha Shivaratri.
12 Mar National Day.
Mar or Apr Ougadi.
1 May Labour Day.
Sep Ganesh Chathurthi.
11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
2 Nov First Labourers' Day.
5 Nov Diwali (Festival of Lights).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
Note
(a) Hindu festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon. The dates given above are approximations. (b) There is a diversity of cultures in Mauritius, each with its own set of holidays. (c) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr may last from two to 10 days, depending on the town or region. (d) Chinese festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is often only possible to forecast the approximate time of their occurrence.

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