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Durga Puja in Mauritius
The celebration of Durga Puja with life size image of Durga was started in Mauritius by the Ramakrishna
Mission in 1977 and is continuing since as an annual feature. The faith, fervour and spiritual
atmosphere that vibrate during the puja are such that the worship of Mother Durga has rapidly gained
popularity across the country with the result that every year more and more associations and temple
committees have started their Navaratri puja on the same pattern.In fact, Durga Puja is now the most
popular puja celebrations in Mauritius, on the same level as Maha Shivaratree
Mission in 1977 and is continuing since as an annual feature. The faith, fervour and spiritual
atmosphere that vibrate during the puja are such that the worship of Mother Durga has rapidly gained
popularity across the country with the result that every year more and more associations and temple
committees have started their Navaratri puja on the same pattern.In fact, Durga Puja is now the most
popular puja celebrations in Mauritius, on the same level as Maha Shivaratree
Durga Puja at the Ramakrishna Mission is celebrated during seven days. The
preparation of the image generally starts months earlier with input from the
swamis and ashram devotees. All decorations, saris etc., that go with the
images of Durga , Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and other dieties are brought
in from India.
preparation of the image generally starts months earlier with input from the
swamis and ashram devotees. All decorations, saris etc., that go with the
images of Durga , Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and other dieties are brought
in from India.
The living image of the Goddess, accompanied by the elaborate puja rituals which are performed in
just the same way as in the RKM centers in India, create an elevating atmosphere in the temple.
Devotees do not just attend but fully participate in the puja. They join in the congretional songs and
follow the rituals and prayers in religious silence. It is a sight to be witnessed.
just the same way as in the RKM centers in India, create an elevating atmosphere in the temple.
Devotees do not just attend but fully participate in the puja. They join in the congretional songs and
follow the rituals and prayers in religious silence. It is a sight to be witnessed.
On Panchami day, Bodhana Puja was performed in the evening. This was followed by Shashthi and
Saptami on which days invocatory rituals are performed inviting Mother to be present. The following
day i.e Ashthami, is marked by a special puja ,namely Sandhi puja which is performed in a pin drop
silence. It symbolizes the elimination of Mahishasura by Mother Durga. On the nineth day (Navami),
Hawan is performed to symbolize the worship of Mother in the form of fire.
Saptami on which days invocatory rituals are performed inviting Mother to be present. The following
day i.e Ashthami, is marked by a special puja ,namely Sandhi puja which is performed in a pin drop
silence. It symbolizes the elimination of Mahishasura by Mother Durga. On the nineth day (Navami),
Hawan is performed to symbolize the worship of Mother in the form of fire.
Over 1000 devotees from different parts of the Island throng daily to the pujas and participate with full
fervour. Food Prasad (lunch) is served sitting during the day and in the evening those who attend
puja receive Prasad (sweets and fruits ) in packets.
fervour. Food Prasad (lunch) is served sitting during the day and in the evening those who attend
puja receive Prasad (sweets and fruits ) in packets.
The celebration culminates in Dashami when the image is ceremoniously
taken to a beach and then conveyed in a boat for immersion in the sea
beyond the reef. Devotees come back to the temple for prayers and
Shantijal: holy water from the place of immersion is sprinkled over the
devotees for peaces and blessedness.
taken to a beach and then conveyed in a boat for immersion in the sea
beyond the reef. Devotees come back to the temple for prayers and
Shantijal: holy water from the place of immersion is sprinkled over the
devotees for peaces and blessedness.
Swami Krishnarupananda , head of the local ashram has been conducting Durga Puja here for
years. His knowledge of the rituals , together with his organizational and oratory abilities have been
instrumental in making the Durga Puja celebrations so popular in Mauritius
years. His knowledge of the rituals , together with his organizational and oratory abilities have been
instrumental in making the Durga Puja celebrations so popular in Mauritius
copyright Ramakrishna Mission, Quinze Cantons, Vacoas, Mauritius. Tel 6964313
