Maha Shivaratree Festival

[wagerjunction]

Hi guys,

As usual, I will be sharing some more of the Mauritian culture with you. No worries, there won't be any pictures of pilgrims with needles sticking everywhere

This time, I bring to you the Maha Shivaratree Festival. During Maha Shivaratri thousands of Hindus, dressed in white and carrying flower-adorned arches, embark on a pilgrimage to the Grand Bassin volcanic lake (on foot). Once there they collect holy water, bathe statuettes of Lord Shiva and hold special religious ceremonies.

The "Great Night of Shiva" in Mauritius is one of the most important Hindu festivals outside India. Following a night of vigil, white-clad devotees carry the Kanwar, a wooden arc decorated with tiny mirrors, paper and flower garlands, to the Grand Bassin.

At the lake, devotees perform their Pujas, little lights on banana leaves and flowers are set adrift on the water and food sacrifices are made. The devotees also bathe their lingams, phallic mystical stones associated with the cult of Shiva.

[Gabriel_LCP]

Looks really cool! Is this done once a year??

I have to say thank you for the not posting the weird and scary piercing photos!

[wagerjunction]

Looks really cool! Is this done once a year??

I have to say thank you for the not posting the weird and scary piercing photos!

Yes, it takes place once every year.

No piercings for this festival though. Just lots of walking carrying arches and stuff.

[Gabriel_LCP]

Carrying arches and stuff is welcome! Weird and scary piercings is also welcome I just don't want to see it!