Mauritius is a beautiful island located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is approximately 900 kilometers east of Madagascar. It is part of the Mascarene Islands and is situated between the French island of Reunion and the island of Rodriguez. It has an interesting history and its rich social atmosphere reflects this. There are many natural elements that attract tourists to this island every year and they stay in the best hotels Mauritius while they’re there. Another aspect of the island that is popular with residents as well as attractive to tourists are the many festivals that are celebrated there. Two of the major annual festivals are the Maha Shivrati and the Chinese New Year.

The Maha Shivrati is a Hindu festival that takes place every year on the 13th night and the 14th day of the waning moon in the month of Maagha. General aspects of the celebration include offerings of leaves, Beal, to the Lord Shiva and all day fasting. This is accompanied by an all night vigil. In addition, penances are performed in the form of yoga and meditation. This is done in order to achieve spiritual evolution and reach the point of no further need to incarnate.

The Chinese New Year is a major celebration in China and serves as one of its most important traditional holidays. It usually begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and extends through the 15th day. This final day has its own name and is known as the Lantern Festival. The customs and traditions associated with the festival vary from region to region, as well as the various countries and locations that also celebrate it. One of the common traditions is a great family feast on the eve of the New Year. The evening ends with a display of fire works. Another common aspect of this festival is decorating windows and doors with festive red cut paper with poetic couplets indicating happiness, health and prosperity.