Mauritius Sanatan Dharma Temples Federation (MSDTF) president Bhojraj Ghoorbin commented on the Mauritian participation in the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Indore, which will be held from January 8 to 10. He also gave details of the celebration of the harvest festival, Sankranti, on January 15 at Flic-en-Flac and the ongoing preparations for the Maha Shivaratree pilgrimage with practical advice from Metro Express and the police.
On the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Gawtam Lallbeeharry, secretary of the MSDTF, expressed his joy and pride that Mauritius is represented by a strong delegation with most of the delegates numbering 112. More than 500 Mauritian delegates are expected in Indore on this occasion. Bhojraj Ghoorbin announced that the Sankranti festival will be celebrated this year at the Shiv Sagar Mandir of Flic-en-Flac.
The Maha Shivaratree festival will be celebrated on February 18 and the official celebration will be held on February 15 at the Divine Museum with Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth as guest of honor. The so-called Rudra Maha Yaj ceremony will be held on February 5 at the same place.
Police have already worked on a plan to ensure road safety when thousands of pilgrims converge on the sacred lake. Pilgrims should walk on the left side of the road and should exercise caution, especially on the highway, which is a source of danger. Kanwars should have a light source on the front and back. “The road is a place of sharing and consideration should be given to the sick and emergency services,” said Ashok Matar.
To encourage pilgrims to make kanwars according to the shastras and tradition, i.e. kanwars to be carried on the shoulders, the MSDTF has launched a contest. The contest is open to temples and kalimaye affiliated to the federation and has a cash prize of Rs 25,000 (first prize). The second prize is Rs 15,000 and the third prize Rs 10,000. According to Acharya Mohunparsad Saklani, the scriptures advocate wearing kanwars on the shoulders and in discipline. He recalled the story of Shravan Kumar who carried his blind parents on the shoulders on pilgrimage.
Veer Naiko of Metro Express explained that the high voltage lines of 750 constitute a danger to the overhead power lines of Metro Express. He urged caution along the roads adjacent to the Metro tracks and at all intersections. Caution is also advised at the Phoenix and Beau-Bassin Flyovers,” he recommended.
