In a significant gesture, the government of Mauritius has approved a special request from Hindu socio-cultural organizations to grant a two-hour break for officials on January 22, 2024. This decision allows devotees across the country to actively participate in prayers organized to mark the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, India.
The Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, convened to consider the appeal from Hindu socio-cultural groups. Responding favorably, the government recognized the cultural significance of the Ram Mandir inauguration and acknowledged the importance of facilitating the participation of devotees in the celebrations.
The Mauritius Sanatan Dharma Temples Federation had formally written to Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, urging the government to grant a two-hour break for the working class to follow the live telecast of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya and to perform rituals.
Hinduism holds a prominent place in the religious landscape of Mauritius, with Hindus constituting approximately 48.5% of the population, as per 2011 statistics. Remarkably, Mauritius stands out as the only country in Africa where Hinduism is the most practiced religion. In terms of percentage, the nation ranks third globally in the prevalence of Hinduism, following Nepal and India.
The roots of Hinduism in Mauritius can be traced back to the colonial era when Indians were brought as indentured labor to both French and British plantations. The migration wave from various Indian states contributed to the establishment and growth of Hindu communities in Mauritius and neighboring islands of the Indian Ocean.
As the Ram Mandir, a symbol of cultural and religious significance, is inaugurated in India, the decision to grant a special break aligns with the government’s commitment to respecting and promoting diverse religious practices within the nation. The special leave enables devotees to actively engage in prayers and celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and communal harmony.
The move not only recognizes the spiritual and cultural significance of the Ram Mandir but also reflects the inclusive ethos of Mauritius, where people from various religious backgrounds coexist harmoniously. It highlights the government’s dedication to accommodating religious observances and ensuring that citizens can actively participate in significant events that hold deep religious and cultural importance.
Dhairya Saraswat