Quick answer: Ganesh Chaturthi is a national public holiday in Mauritius — for 2026 the government gazette lists it as Tuesday, 15 September (the tithi begins 5:36 AM local on 14 September). Roughly half the island is Hindu, and the Marathi community leads much of the observance.

Mauritius is one of the few countries where Ganesh Chaturthi is a national public holiday, reflecting that around half the island’s population is Hindu. The festival has a distinctive Mauritian character, shaped strongly by the Marathi community, and is celebrated island-wide with temple worship and processions.

  • Tithi begins (MUT)5:36 AM, 14 September 2026
  • Public holiday (gazetted)Tuesday, 15 September 2026
  • Hindu populationRoughly half of Mauritius
  • Leading communityMarathi Mauritian (with Bhojpuri-Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati)

A national public holiday

For 2026, the Mauritius government gazette lists the Ganesh Chaturthi public holiday as Tuesday, 15 September 2026 (amended in Government Notice No. 611). The Hindu tithi begins at 5:36 AM local on 14 September. Always check the latest official gazette, as holiday dates can be amended, and confirm temple timings locally.

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The Marathi Mauritian tradition

Mauritius has a distinct and influential Marathi community, descended from indentured migrants, that has shaped Ganesh Chaturthi into a major national festival. The Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation coordinates much of the observance, with processions, cultural programmes and temple worship. This Marathi leadership gives the Mauritian celebration a flavour closer to Maharashtra than most diaspora communities.

Temples and districts

Ganesh mandirs and community mandalis are found across all districts — Port Louis, Plaine Wilhems (Quatre Bornes, Curepipe, Rose Hill, Vacoas), Moka, Flacq, Grand Port, Savanne, Rivière du Rempart (Triolet, Goodlands) and Pamplemousses. Confirm each mandali’s 2026 programme through the Marathi Mandali Federation or the local temple.

Visarjan in Mauritius

Immersion takes place at designated coastal and river sites, following guidance from the Ministry of Environment and the Beach Authority, with growing eco-murti campaigns encouraging natural clay. Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin), the island’s most sacred lake, is treated with special care. Follow the designated sites and environmental guidance announced for 2026.

The five Hindu traditions of Mauritius

Mauritius is home to Marathi, Bhojpuri-Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Gujarati Hindu communities, each with its own Ganesh Chaturthi customs. This diversity, under one national holiday, makes the Mauritian festival especially rich.

Part of our Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 around the world guide. See also home puja vidhi, the aarti, . Ganpati Bappa Morya!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ganesh Chaturthi a public holiday in Mauritius?

Yes. It is a national public holiday. For 2026, the government gazette lists it as Tuesday, 15 September, while the Hindu tithi begins 5:36 AM local on 14 September. Check the latest official gazette.

Why is the Marathi community important to the festival in Mauritius?

The Marathi Mauritian community, descended from indentured migrants, has shaped Ganesh Chaturthi into a major national festival, coordinated largely through the Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation.

Where is visarjan done in Mauritius?

At designated coastal and river sites under Ministry of Environment and Beach Authority guidance, with eco-murti campaigns encouraging natural clay. Ganga Talao is treated with special care.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 observed in Mauritius?

The Hindu tithi begins 5:36 AM local on 14 September 2026, and the gazetted public holiday is Tuesday, 15 September 2026. Confirm temple timings locally.

Which communities celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Mauritius?

Marathi, Bhojpuri-Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Gujarati Hindu communities all observe the festival, each with its own customs, making it a diverse national celebration.

Is Ganga Talao used for immersion?

Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) is the island’s most sacred lake and is treated with special environmental care. Immersion generally uses other designated coastal and river sites per official guidance.

How can I find my local mandali’s programme?

Contact the Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation or your local temple for the 2026 programme, as processions and timings are coordinated at community level.

How big is the Hindu community in Mauritius?

Roughly half of the Mauritian population is Hindu, which is why Ganesh Chaturthi is observed island-wide and recognised as a national public holiday.