Maha Shivaratree, the “great night of Shiva” (often spelled Maha Shivaratri), is the biggest Hindu festival in Mauritius. In the days before it, thousands of pilgrims walk from all over the island to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, also called Ganga Talao, carrying decorated kanwars. The festival falls in February or March: in 2027, it is expected on March 6.
In 2026, on February 15, about 350,000 worshippers were expected around the lake, according to L'Express de Maurice.
Origins and meaning of Maha Shivaratri in Mauritius
The festival honors Shiva, one of the great gods of Hinduism. The Mauritius tourism office describes it on its official website as the largest pilgrimage of the year.
Grand Bassin lake sits in an old volcanic crater in the Savanne district, in the south of the island. Its other name, Ganga Talao, means “lake of the Ganges.” The first pilgrims are said to have come here at the end of the 19th century.
Pilgrims pray with the lake's water, which is believed to purify. Many fill bottles with it to take home.
How it unfolds: what you will see
The walk of the kanwars
The spectacle begins on the roads, several days before the night of Shiva. Pilgrims carry kanwars on their shoulders as a sign of sacrifice: these are heavily decorated wooden or bamboo structures, sometimes lit up. They come from all over the island.
Since 2025, the size of kanwars has been regulated by law, following serious incidents in 2023 and 2024.
After the tragic incidents of 2023 and 2024, it was necessary to introduce these regulations.
| Rule for kanwars | Limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 3 m at most, vehicle included |
| Width | 2 m at most |
| Length | 5.5 m at most |
| Power | Generators banned, 12-volt batteries only |
| Fine | Up to 10,000 rupees |
Source: Road Traffic Regulations 2025, according to L'Express de Maurice.
At Grand Bassin lake
Near the lake stands a 33-meter statue of Shiva, the Mangal Mahadev, unveiled in 2007. It is the tallest statue in Mauritius. At the water's edge, worshippers leave offerings at small shrines, pray and draw the sacred water.
Pilgrims from other communities also join the walk, according to the tourism office, which invites visitors on the island to follow the pilgrimage.
Dates and places
The date follows the Hindu lunar calendar and changes every year.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, February 15 |
| 2027 | Saturday, March 6 (expected date) |
The 2027 date comes from public holiday calendars published in advance. Check it against the official list of Mauritius public holidays. The pilgrims' walk starts several days earlier.
The main points along the way, such as La Marie, Plaine-Sophie and Pétrin, see thousands of walkers pass through. The authorities deploy police, health services and temporary medical centers there.
Our advice
To see the walk, stand along a road in the center of the island in the days before the festival. You will watch the kanwars go by without getting caught in the crowds at the lake.
Attending Maha Shivaratri
Getting around
In 2026, the national bus company added extra buses day and night on the key days, according to L'Express de Maurice. Roads in the center of the island can be very busy. If you have a rental car, avoid the Grand Bassin area on peak days, and drive slowly near walkers.
Respect
This is a pilgrimage, not an attraction. Do not touch the kanwars, do not stand in the walkers' path, and ask before photographing anyone up close. In temples, take off your shoes and wear clothing that covers you.
Watch out
According to France Diplomatie (the French foreign ministry's travel advice), the cyclone season in Mauritius runs from November to April. If an alert is issued, a lockdown of two to three days may be imposed: follow official instructions and the local weather.
Entry requirements
Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa: check your case on our Mauritius entry requirements page. French passport holders do not need one for a stay of less than three months. You need a passport valid for your whole stay, a return ticket and the online Mauritius All in One Travel Form. Also check your own government's travel advice. See our Mauritius page and our calendar of festivals in Mauritius too.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists go to Grand Bassin during Maha Shivaratri?
Yes. The tourism office invites visitors on the island to follow the pilgrimage. Keep a low profile, respect people's prayers, and expect a very dense crowd around the lake.
When can you see the kanwars on the roads?
In the days before the night of Shiva. This is the most striking moment, as pilgrims converge on Grand Bassin from all over the island.
Can you visit Grand Bassin at another time?
Yes, you can visit Grand Bassin outside the festival. It is much calmer then, and you will see the Shiva statue and the temples without the crowds.
