the months of February and March, four to nine days of ceremony and fasting lead up to an all-night vigil of Shiva worship. Other important Hindu festivals in Mauritius include: Thaipusam, honoring Lord Murugan. It is particularly observed by Tamil Hindus. Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival occurring on a public holiday assigned to the extensive Marathi-speaking community, celebrates the birth of Ganesha. Durga Puja celebrated in honour of the titular goddess over nine days. Diwali, "the Festival of Lights," also known as Deepawali. This Hindu festival is a national public holiday in Mauritius. It is popular, cuts across ethnic barriers, with Mauritius Christians observing it as well. Ugadi/Gudi Padwa, Hindu New Year. Holi The Festival of Colors. Pongal/Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival. Temples in Mauritius The International Society for Krishna Consciousness maintains several temples in Mauritius. See also Hinduism in Africa Religion in Mauritius Demographics of Mauritius Hindu eschatology References External links Religion in Mauritius