Mauritians of Tamil faith celebrated the Thaipoosam Cavadee yesterday. This festival marks the end of ten days of fasting. On this occasion, participants make a pilgrimage to the various temples of the island to make offerings and purify themselves.
This religious festival is celebrated with fervour and piety in the Tamil month of Thai (January – February) on a full moon day and the day of the star Poosam. This festival is dedicated to Murugan or Muruga, the last son of Shiva and the goddess Parvati. He is the God of youth and beauty and represents love, compassion and wisdom. His Vel – his javelin with which he has won victories over evil – is a sign of strength and protection and is symbolised by the needles used by devotees.
The Cavadee festival is a very important moment in the lives of the devotees. Originating in South India, this Tamil festival is the most impressive in the Mauritian religious calendar.
Politicians also participated in the celebration.
