Mithal

Mauritians has a very diverse population with people of many religions living in harmony and respecting the faith of each other.  There are many elaborate temples in particular but also churches and mosques and the special holidays of each religion are celebrating by all.  Almost half of the population are Hindus and today they celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Light, which seems to have the same importance as Christmas is to us.  Traditionally ‘Mithal’ sweets are shared among family and friends and our guide, who is Catholic, presented each of us with a pack of sweets that she had made. As we drove the route to catch our overnight plane she regretted that we were unable to join in the festivities as we passed many places lit up with sparkling lights and explained that today at six o’clock the little flickering lamps would be placed at the doors and in the houses.  Many of the shops had little models of lamps at their doors. It reminded us of the ways we decorate our towns and villages at Christmas with lights and trees.  Everywhere we were being wished a Happy Diwali.