The Prime Minister launches the Bhijouri Mahotsav yesterday morning. This festival aims at promoting culture, traditions and arts of the state of Bihar. At the official opening this morning, the Prime Minister emphasised that participants would be able to examine the cultural, artistic, economic and social aspects of the Bhojpuri language. He also pointed out that the descendants of indentured labourers have preserved the traditions of their ancestors in Mauritius.
Several Ministers, Members of the National Assembly and Diplomatic Corps, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mrs K. Nandini Singla, the President of the Bhojpuri-Speaking Union, Dr Sarita Boodhoo, and Academics were among the attendees at the event organised by the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage in collaboration with the Bhojpuri-Speaking Union. A musical album ‘Hamni ke Satrangi Des’ was also launched on the occasion.
The Mahotsav, spanning over three days, comprises a conference on the growth and development of Bhojpuri; Heritage, Economic Contribution, Media and Cultural Tourism; a Book Exhibition, Art Exhibition and Bhojpuri Cuisine Exhibition; and cultural events by local artists.
In his address, Prime Minister Jugnauth highlighted that Bhojpuri language serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the indentured labour route, connecting Mauritius to its colonial past and the broader history of Indian migration. He indicated that the Bhojpuri language brought along by Girmitiyas is deeply rooted in the Mauritian soil and has been nurtured over 190 years. Today, he said, Bhojpuri holds a significant place in Mauritius’ linguistic landscape and is spoken by a significant percentage of the population. It serves as a link to the ancestral roots of many Mauritians of Indian descent, fostering a sense of identity and community, he added.
