If you are in Mauritius in early November, you are in for a treat. Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, is one of the most loved celebrations on the island. Whole villages glow with fairy lights and little clay lamps, neighbours swap plates of homemade sweets, and fireworks crackle across the sky after dark. You do not need to be Hindu, or know anyone local, to feel part of it.
Here is everything you need to know to enjoy Divali 2026 as a visitor: when it is, what happens, what to eat, where to see the lights and how to be a respectful guest.
When Is Divali 2026 in Mauritius?
Divali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026 and it is a national public holiday in Mauritius. Because it falls on a Sunday this year, Monday 9 November is also a public holiday, giving the island a long weekend. The date moves every year because it follows the lunar calendar, landing on the new moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, usually between late October and mid-November.
Five days of festivities: celebrations start a couple of days before, with Dhanteras (Friday 6 November in 2026), when families clean their homes and buy new kitchen utensils, gold or silver for good luck.
Deepavali for the Tamil community: many Tamil families celebrate on the eve of the holiday or very early in the morning, following South Indian traditions.
A double holiday week: Monday 2 November is also a public holiday, marking the Arrival of Indentured Labourers. It was those labourers, brought from India in the 19th century, who carried Divali to Mauritius. Today it is shared by the whole island.
Pro Tip: With Divali on Sunday and Monday 9 November also a public holiday, some shops and businesses will be closed or keep shorter hours across the long weekend. Stock up on anything you need on the Saturday and plan your transport ahead.
What Divali Looks Like in Mauritius
Divali is all about light winning over darkness. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama and honours Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. In practice, that means a few days of cleaning, decorating, praying and, above all, sharing.
Lights everywhere: houses are strung with coloured fairy lights, and many families still line their steps, walls and gardens with small clay lamps called diyas.
Rangoli at the door: colourful patterns made from powder, sand or rice decorate the entrance to welcome guests and good fortune.
New clothes: families dress up in saris, kurtas and other traditional outfits to visit relatives and friends.
Prayers and temples: evening prayers to Lakshmi take place at home and in temples across the island.
Fireworks: from nightfall, firecrackers and fireworks go off in villages everywhere. Expect it to be noisy until late.
Pro Tip: If you hear a knock at the door of your guesthouse or villa on Divali, it is not trick-or-treaters. It is probably a neighbour bringing you a plate of sweets.
Divali Sweets and Cakes to Try
Food is the heart of Divali in Mauritius. Families spend days making sweets and savoury snacks, then share them in little parcels with friends and neighbours of every faith. If you get offered some, say yes.
Gato patate: the Divali must-have. Little sweet potato pastries, often filled with coconut and flavoured with cardamom.
Laddoo: round, golden balls made from gram flour and sugar.
Barfi: fudge-like squares, often made with coconut or milk.
Gulab jamun and jalebi: syrup-soaked sweets that are very sweet and very good.
Nankatai: crumbly, buttery biscuits.
Something savoury: gato piment (chilli cakes) and other fried snacks usually make it onto the plate too.
Pro Tip: Mauritian versions of Indian sweets often taste a little different to what you may know from India or the UK. Try them with an open mind. For more on what to eat on the island, see our local food guide.
Where to See the Divali Lights
The best Divali lights are in ordinary neighbourhoods, not tourist areas. Mauritius does not have one big central event. Instead, every village and residential street lights up on its own, so the most rewarding thing you can do is go for a slow evening drive.
Villages in the north: places like Triolet and Goodlands have large Hindu communities and are known for their lights. Triolet is also home to the Maheswarnath Mandir, one of the oldest and largest Hindu temples on the island.
Central towns: residential streets around Quatre Bornes and the central plateau are beautifully decorated too.
Wherever you are staying: even a short walk around your local village after dark is likely to show you lamps on doorsteps and families out in their best clothes.
Pro Tip: Head out from around 6.30pm, once it is properly dark. Drive slowly, watch for families and children in the road, and remember fireworks are going off all around you.
Divali Etiquette for Visitors
Mauritians are warm and welcoming, and most people are delighted when visitors take an interest in the festival. A few simple habits go a long way.
Dress modestly at temples: cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off before you go in.
Ask before taking photos: especially of people, prayers or the altars inside homes and temples.
Accept sweets graciously: a smile and a thank you is all that is expected. You do not need to bring something back.
If you are invited into a home: a small box of sweets or some flowers makes a thoughtful gift.
Keep a safe distance from fireworks: they are let off in streets and gardens, and children often join in.
Pro Tip: A simple "Happy Divali" or "Bonne fête Divali" is the perfect greeting. People will appreciate the effort.
Make a Day of It: Tours Around Divali
Divali week is a great time to explore the island by day and enjoy the lights by night. These tours pair especially well with the festival.
The North Island Tour
About 6 hours
Visit a colourful temple and learn about the island's religious and cultural mix, explore the Port Louis Bazaar, enjoy a traditional Mauritian lunch and finish with a swim at a secret waterfall. The perfect cultural warm-up for Divali.
The Wild North Tour
About 6 hours
A moderate hike with mountain views, a swim at a secluded waterfall and a local Mauritian lunch. An active day out before a festive evening.
Pro Tip: Early November is the start of the hot season, so mornings are the best time for hiking. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Our packing guide has the full list.
Celebrate Divali the Mauritian Way
Spend the day with a local guide who can tell you the stories behind the festival, then enjoy the lights at night. Small groups, local guides and the real Mauritius.