Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi

This function is the celebration of Lord Ganesh. The Ganesh Chaturthi Festival marks the special day when Ganesh is honoured everywhere in the world. Prayers are performed over 2 to 10 days, and a fast is also observed before, during and after the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival. Songs and dances are performed during the festival in dedication of Ganesh, and the final blessing is the submerging of the Ganesh Murthi into water.

The year 2007 was a landmark year for the MMS with its first ever procession with the Ganesh Murthi around Palmers Green along with 2019 being one of the highest attended Ganesh Chaturthi festival in recent memory. This particular moment was a smashing success and saw great numbers of followers and onlookers enjoy the occasion. Since that moment, each procession is now done within the vicinity of the Darji Mitra Mandal, with the submerging taking place outside the hall, in a specially built tank.

Build

The build of the murthi commences 7-10 days before the festival. It is made of clay and hand made.

When does it take place?

Ganesh Chaturthi takes place in August/September. It falls on the fourth day after the new moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada

Attendence

This is one of the highest attended festivals for the MMS. 2019 saw its highest ever attendence.

Visarjan

The Visarjan is normally performed on Day 2. However, this varies around the world with some devotees submerging after 1, 2, 5 & 10 days.

Maha Shivratri

The auspicious festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with devotion and religious fervour all over India and beyond. Though fasting and worship of Shiva Linga with a ritual bath remain the common feature of Shivaratri celebrations at all places, minor variations due to regional difference can be observed in different countries.
In Mauritius, for instance, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in a big way for over three days. A large number of the island's Hindu population makes a pilgrimage to the holy volcanic lake, Grand Bassin and make food sacrifices and stockpile vessels of the holy water.

Shiva Ligum

The Shiva Linga is the original one from when the festival first started

When does it take place?

Maha Shivratri falls on the 4th night of the new moon during Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalgun

Attendence

This is the second most attended festival held by the MMS.

Shivaji Day

This function is a celebration of the great warrior himself, Shivaji Maharaj. This function tends to take place between May & June, but varies depending on availability of a hall. The event showcases the history and journey of Shivaji himself, with performances, speeches and videos being played to highlight his achievements.

Orange

The colour orange is associated with celebrations of Shivaji Day. 

When does it take place?

This festival normally takes place in May. It is celebrated in Mauritius and India with great commitment

Highlight

In 2008 this festival was celebrated with great performances by adults and youngsters.

Diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major festival in the Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism religions. This is also known as the festival of lights. It symbolises the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for humankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional dīpa or deeya. This festival usually takes place in the month of November.

Fireworks

Fireworks are lit all over the world to celebrate the Hindu new year. Also, Diya's are lit around the house.

When does it take place?

The festival normally takes place around October/November

Diwali Cakes

Cakes are shared to friends and families during this occasion

Why does it take place?

Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness. It represents the victory of good over evil.

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