by Pieter and Lize Labuschagne, Mauritius
9 May 2005
As we watched people stream down the street in front of our house dragging decorated pedestals behind them, we wondered what it could mean. It didn't take long to discover that every year from the end of February to the middle of March, on the day of the month without the moon, the Hindu community of Mauritius celebrates Maha Shivaratree. The many tents pitched all over the island in preparation for the festival give evidence of its approach. Hindus in Mauritius take a yearly pilgrimage to their holy lake, Grand Bassin, stopping to rest and receive refreshment at the tents.

In the days prior to the pilgrimage, while they fast, they build their kanwar, a construction decorated with flowers and images of the god Shiva. They carry their kanwar with them on their journey. The pilgrimage in Mauritius ends at Grand Bassin, which according to tradition, communicates with the holy Ganges River in India. When the pilgrims reach the Grand Bassin, they pray and offer flowers, coconuts and fruits to their god Ganga (Ganges). There they collect holy water to take back home with them.

It is sad to see the pilgrims along the road dragging huge statues of their god behind them on beautiful pedestals. They need to hear about the true Savior of the universe, Jesus Christ.

Please pray

Pray that the church in Mauritius will work with great zeal to reach out to the Indo Mauritians.