to do and see Mauritius

Every year, during the Maha Shivaratri festival in Mauritius, thousands of pilgrims flow along the roads of the island and converge to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin. People of other faiths often join the procession to feel the verve of this great Hindu festival… Why not you?

1. Meet the Pilgrims for the Maha Shivaratri Festival in Mauritius

As you join the Maha Shivaratri procession, you will mingle with the crowd of pilgrims heading to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin and share an exceptional moment with them. Enjoy the convivial atmosphere and seize the opportunity to chat with the devotees to learn more about this festival. You will not feel alone since a growing number of non-Hindus join the procession to satisfy their curiosity for other cultures.

The interactions can lead to lifelong friendships and unforgettable moments of cultural exchange. Listening to the chants and prayers of the pilgrims fills the air with an aura of peace and reverence. As the journey progresses, you’ll notice how the atmosphere turns into one of profound unity and collective joy. These moments make you realise the power of coming together for a shared purpose, transcending boundaries of faith and background.

2. Culture and traditions

The pilgrimage is a living display of Hindu culture and tradition, passed down from generations of Indian ancestors who settled in Mauritius. Witness rituals such as the offering of water to Lord Shiva and the carrying of kanwars, intricately decorated bamboo structures symbolising devotion. You’ll learn about the significance of Maha Shivaratri, honoring Lord Shiva and his union with Parvati, while soaking in the vibrant customs that make Hinduism such a profound and spiritual experience. Mauritius’ diverse cultural tapestry comes alive during this time.

Each ritual carries a deep spiritual meaning, connecting devotees to their roots and inner selves. The sight of young children participating with their families showcases how these traditions are lovingly preserved. You’ll also hear fascinating stories about Lord Shiva’s legends, adding depth to your understanding of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Mauritius. This is not just a festival; it’s a profound expression of identity and devotion that resonates deeply with everyone present.

3. Enjoy Tasty Breaks during the Maha Shivaratri Festival in Mauritius

What’s a journey without some mouthwatering treats? Maha Shivaratri in Mauritius is a feast for the senses, and food is no exception.

Indulge in tasty pleasures such as hot tea with sweet milk and Indian specialities that you will hardly find outside the festival season. All over the island, volunteers set up tents along the pilgrimage route to offer free drinks and food to travellers, some of whom have been walking for several days. After a few hours walking, you will not resist a tasty break with both sweet and savoury food to taste.

The meals also serve as a wonderful opportunity to connect with locals and other travellers. The diversity of the food reflects the cultural richness of Mauritius, combining Indian flavors with local touches. You’ll find that the act of sharing food creates bonds that last beyond the journey. Don’t forget to savor the sweets, these delicacies are a labor of love and generosity.

4. A Healthy Walk for the Maha Shivaratri Festival in Mauritius

Maha Shivaratri is a long walk of several days, especially for those who want to go the whole way from home to the sacred lake. While some devotees trek for days, covering great distances from their homes, you can opt for a shorter evening walk to soak in the festival’s atmosphere. From Grand Bassin, a fee-based shuttle service is available to visitors who want to catch a quick ride back home.

Walking for the Maha Shivaratri festival in Mauritius adds to the camaraderie, and the physical exercise is a bonus! The walk is a wonderful way to appreciate the natural beauty of Mauritius as well, with lush greenery and serene surroundings. It’s not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, allowing you time for self-reflection and mindfulness. You’ll be amazed at how the rhythmic steps and chants along the way create a meditative state. This blend of physical and spiritual engagement is an unparalleled experience.

5. Grand Bassin by night

Image source: Minesh Ramchurn

We highly recommend that you set to arrive at Grand Bassin by night or in early morning. A night walk is more convenient to avoid the hot temperatures of March during the day. Moreover, the site is filled with a special flair at night: light reflects in the lake, religious songs and incense rise in the air, and the place takes on a mystical aura.

The night-time view of the temples and their intricate architecture under the moonlight is breathtaking. As you approach the site, you’ll hear the faint hum of prayers, which grows louder and more uplifting. The combination of the cool night air and the warm glow of devotion creates an atmosphere that stays with you long after. The sight of devotees offering prayers at the lake is a poignant reminder of the festival’s deeper spiritual significance. The Maha Shivaratri festival in Mauritius will fill you with good vibes on a starry night.

6. The Maha Shivaratri Festival in Mauritius: Immerse in Another World

Image source: Minesh Ramchurn

As you come closer to the site, you will immerse yourself in a totally different world. Large roads and sidewalks, along which pilgrims shuffle in a final effort, have been built to accommodate thousands of visitors. At the end of the path, a huge statue of the Lord Shiva welcomes you with its serene and confident face. The site is alive with vibrant music, prayers, and the sound of bells. From the temples to the lake, every corner of Grand Bassin tells a story, carrying you deeper into a world of devotion and spirituality.

The vivid colors of the decorations and the fragrant flowers used in offerings add to the sensory immersion. The harmonious blending of people’s chants and bells creates a soothing and uplifting environment. The giant statue of Lord Shiva stands as a beacon of faith, inspiring awe and reverence in all who behold it. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a place where time stands still, letting you fully embrace the moment.

7. A Unique Experience for the Maha Shivaratri Festival in Mauritius

Image source: MarianOne, via Flickr

The Maha Shivaratri festival in Mauritius is more than just an event, it’s a transformative journey.

For all the foregoing reasons, the Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage really is a unique experience you will not get the chance to live anywhere else. You will leave the place in bewilderment, as if waking up from a mysterious dream…Whether you come with friends, family, or by yourself, the experience leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

Every step of the pilgrimage feels like a chapter in an extraordinary story. The journey is as much about the people you meet as the destination itself. It teaches you the power of perseverance, kindness, and shared joy. You’ll carry the memories of this experience with you, forever changed by its profound beauty and meaning.

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Mauritius, an island of vibrant culture and rich history, is a musical treasure trove where diverse influences converge to create something truly unique. From the soulful rhythms of sega, deeply rooted in the island’s Afro-Malagasy heritage, to the reggae-inspired beats of seggae, Mauritian music tells a story of unity, resilience, and joy.

At the heart of this musical journey are the island’s artists—legends who have defined genres and emerging talents who continue to shape its evolving soundscape. Whether through the timeless works of Kaya or the innovative compositions of new voices like Anne Ga, Mauritian music resonates far beyond its shores, embodying the spirit of its people.

This article celebrates ten of the greatest Mauritian music artists, delving into their contributions to the music scene. But that’s not all—explore the Mauritius island’s musical diversity, meet emerging talents, and immerse yourself in the rhythms that define the Mauritian art of living.
Ten Iconic Artists of the Mauritian Music Scene

Ten Iconic Artists of the Mauritian Music Scene

1. Kaya (1960-1999)

Kaya was known throughout the Indian Ocean as the father of seggae, a fully-fledged music genre that combines reggae and local sega. This politically engaged singer used to condemn the bad sides of Mauritian society and promote unity through local hits such as “Simé la lumière”, “Ras kouyon” and “Chante l’amour“.

2. Cassiya

With Désiré François as lead singer and sega as music style, the group Cassiya became popular thanks to songs like “Séparation”, “Rev nou zancetre” and “Marlène”. Today, its lead singer still charms the audience with his voice and deeply emotional songs.

3. Eric Triton

With his unique voice and great guitar skills, Eric Triton brings together blues, jazz and sega to create his own matchless music style. Both in French and in Creole, he sings of peace among the people in “Unité”, tells about his island in “Tamarin” and defends music in “Aio Aio”, not to mention the very popular “Blues dan mwa“.

4. Menwar

Somehow eccentric in his behaviour and musical creations, Menwar is the founder of Sagaï, a form of music, where acoustic sounds and beats prevail. In 2006, he became known to the public and on the international scene with the release of his album Ay Ay Lolo under the French record label MARABI.

5. Ti Frère (1900-1992)

Known as the King of Mauritian sega, Ti Frère contributed to the popularisation of typical sega, which was long considered an indecent form of music. In 1925, he launched “Tamassa”, the first 45 rpm record in Mauritius, and became popular across the Indian Ocean in the sixties. His greatest hits include “Anita”, “Roseda” and “Papitou“.

6. Serge Lebrasse

Serge Lebrasse, a famous sega singer-songwriter, learned the ropes of traditional sega under the leadership of Ti Frère. He also contributed to the popularisation of this genre with the release of his 1958 record and his song “Madame Ezene“. His fresh and authentic style led to great success and worldwide performances.

7. Michel Legris (1932-2015)

Affectionately known as “The Captain” in reference to his successful title “Mo Capitaine“, Michel Legris crossed the boundaries of time and used bright spirit to modernise his sega style. With his distinctive straw hat and ravanne, he was very active both on the Mauritian scene and abroad.

8. Damien Elisa

Damien Elisa is a talented piano player and composer, who fascinates the public with his subtle and offbeat universe. He comes forward with very personal lyrics, oriental and african-inspired tunes and a savvy blend of jazz, sega and funk music. In 2013, he recorded his album Allright, which includes hits such as “Alala“, “Gris Gris” and “Port-Louis”.

9. Zulu

Zulu first experienced success as a member of the group Blackmen Bluz and with their well-known title, “Gabriella“. After the group split, Zulu started a solo career and launched his first album Zulu, which received great success, especially with the song “Métisse” featuring singer Mario Ramsamy from the group Émile et Images.

10. Alain Ramanisum

An amazing performer and hit-machine, Alain Ramanisum is a former member of Cassiya. Since he has started a solo career, this talented singer-songwriter-composer has produced modern and wild sega songs such as the popular “Li tourner“. DJ Assad’s remixed version of this hit was actually shot at the C Beach Club.

Sega is not just limited to the music scene. It is the complete immersion of Mauritian culture. Perform and celebrate in various musical events. It knows how to bring generations together and perfectly reflects the festive spirit and the Mauritian joy of living.

Emerging Artists Shaping the Future of Mauritian Music

As the legacy of legendary Mauritian artists continues to inspire, a new wave of talent is making its mark on the island’s music scene. These emerging artists are not only preserving traditional genres like sega but are also infusing them with contemporary sounds to resonate with modern audiences. Through their creativity and innovation, they are shaping the future of Mauritian music while staying deeply connected to the island’s cultural roots.

Anne Ga

Starting her musical journey at six, Anne Gaëlle Bourquin, known as Anne Ga, has emerged as a rising star in the Mauritian music scene. Known for her soulful voice and ability to blend pop with traditional Mauritian elements, Anne Ga has captivated audiences both locally and internationally. Her debut single, “Remember Me”, released in 2019, marked her as a talent to watch and received widespread acclaim.

Building on her success, Anne Ga has since released other popular tracks, including “Si To Le”, a vibrant sega-inspired song that showcases her versatility and deep connection to Mauritian culture. Another standout track, “Losean”, beautifully captures the essence of island life, blending heartfelt lyrics with rhythmic beats that pay homage to the sea and the island’s heritage. Her music often carries themes of self-discovery, love, and cultural pride, resonating deeply with her listeners.

With her unique fusion of modern and traditional sounds, Anne Ga continues to shape the evolving landscape of Mauritian music, inspiring a new generation of artists.

Anonym

Formed in 2020, Anonym has quickly established itself as a standout group in the Mauritian music scene. Known for their ability to blend traditional sega with contemporary influences, the band brings a fresh and innovative perspective to local music while staying deeply rooted in Mauritius’s cultural heritage.

Their debut single, “Danzere”, was a breakout hit, celebrated for its infectious rhythm and modern interpretation of sega. The track resonated with audiences for its vibrant energy and compelling storytelling. Following this success, Anonym released “Tizan”, a playful and imaginative song that combines engaging lyrics with upbeat melodies, further solidifying their reputation as one of Mauritius’s most creative musical acts.

With their commitment to honouring traditional sega while pushing its boundaries, Anonym is redefining the Mauritian music landscape and inspiring a new generation of artists to innovate and explore.

To conclude, Sega is more than just a music and dance genre—it is a poignant testimony to the history and multiculturality of Mauritius. Deeply rooted in the island’s Afro-Malagasy heritage, Sega embodies a harmonious fusion of traditions, creating something beautiful, unique, and profoundly Mauritian.

From Sega, other music styles such as Seggae and Sagaï have emerged, blending reggae, jazz, and contemporary influences to reflect the evolving identity of the island. These genres honour the essence of Sega while pushing its boundaries, showcasing the creativity and adaptability of Mauritian music.

Sega and its musical offspring will forever resonate in Mauritian hearts and souls, uniting generations in a shared celebration of life, history, and cultural pride.

Experience the Rhythm of Mauritius at Veranda Resorts

If you want to vibrate to the sound of Seggae during your stay in Mauritius. Come and vibrate at Veranda Resorts and discover local artists and bring back an authentic rhythm in your suitcases.