1. Holika Dahan — the night of the stake

On the eve of Holi, bonfires are lit at dusk. This ritual commemorates the legend of Holika, a demon who tried to kill the young and devout Prahlad, faithful to the god Vishnu. According to tradition, Holika perished in the flames in place of the one she wanted to destroy, thanks to the divine protection granted to Prahlad. Burning Holika in effigy thus symbolizes the destruction of evil and bad energies.

2. Rangwali Holi — the festival of colors

The next morning, the festival of colors begins. Participants sprinkle each other with colored powders (called gulal) and water, kiss, sing and dance. Tradition has it that on this day, social barriers, hierarchies and differences disappear: everyone is equal under the colors of the rainbow.

holi dates in Mauritius in 2026

In 2026, Holi celebrations take place over two days:

• Holika Dahan (bonfires): the evening of Tuesday March 3, 2026
• Rangwali Holi (festival of colors): Wednesday March 4, 2026

Important point: unlike several other religious festivals celebrated in Mauritius, Holi is not an official holiday in Mauritius. The 2026 public holiday calendar, published by the Prime Minister's Office in the General Notice No. 1195 of 2025, does not list Holi among the fifteen public holidays of the year. This in no way prevents the celebrations from being widely followed throughout the island, particularly in neighborhoods and regions with a large Hindu community.

Holi in Mauritius: a celebration between tradition and multiculturalism

Mauritius is a unique multicultural and multireligious society in the world, heir to successive waves of migrations from Africa, India, China and Europe. The Indo-Mauritian community, largely descendants of indentured workers who arrived from India after the abolition of slavery in 1835, has been able to preserve and transmit its Hindu traditions over several generations.

In Mauritius, Holi is both a spiritual celebration and a moment of social cohesion. The festival is open to all: Creole Mauritians, Sino-Mauritians, Franco-Mauritians, and tourists are welcome to participate in the general jubilation. This opening perfectly illustrates what Mauritians proudly call their “rainbow of cultures”.

holi culinary specialties

Food plays a central role in the festivities. Among the preparations traditionally associated with Holi are gujiya (small fried turnovers stuffed with dried fruits and nuts), various sweet pastries as well as thandai, a cold drink made from milk, almonds and spices. These dishes are shared with family and neighbors, in a spirit of generosity and conviviality.

music and atmosphere

Holi is also a sound festival: traditional songs, percussion instruments, and in the contemporary Mauritian context, popular music of Bollywood inspiration or chutney (Indo-Mauritian popular music) accompany the celebrations.

an event not to be missed in 2026: Rang Barse at Domaine Rose Belle

For the 2026 edition, a festive event for the general public has already been announced. Indian Ocean Entertainment, in collaboration with Urban Dodo and the NGO Women of Wonders, organizes the festival Barse Rank the friday February 28, 2026 the Domaine Rose Belle, in the southeast of the island.

This event, designed around the values ​​of Holi — diversity, sharing and conviviality — is open from noon to 11 p.m. and offers a rich program:

• Characteristic color schemes of Holi
• Musical performances with Nikhil and The Gang, Karishma, Keshave, Divesh and Groove Band, DJ Shane and DJ She Devil
• A fashion show led by Yasheena Raghoonundun, director of Women of Wonders
• Awareness-raising actions around issues affecting women
• Spaces dedicated to children
• An exclusively vegetarian gastronomic offer (no alcohol allowed on the site)

The tickets are set at Rs 1,000 and include snacks at the entrance as well as colored powder.

The event is hosted by Varun Nunkoo, Sachin Kumar, Nishi Singh, Nikhil Shibnauth and Devina Mungur, who wanted to offer a musical and cultural immersion in a spirit of unity and sharing, with a concept presented as “Made in Mauritius”.

Source: The Mauritian, February 23, 2026.

Note: As of the date of writing this article (February 23, 2026), this is the only organized and confirmed public event that we are aware of for Holi 2026 in Mauritius. Other community celebrations most likely take place in many neighborhoods and villages across the island, but we do not have verified information about them.

practical tips for experiencing Holi in Mauritius

If you want to participate in the Holi festivities, here are some basic tips:

Outfit side: Wear old white or light-colored clothes that you're comfortable with permanently staining—colored powders are difficult to remove. Also bring protective glasses to protect your eyes.

Skin and hair side: It is advisable to coat your skin and hair with coconut oil or olive oil before participating: this makes cleaning up the powders after the party much easier.

As for electronic Devices: Store your phones, cameras and glasses in a safe place or protect them, as powders and water can damage them.

Respect side: Holi is above all a family and religious celebration. Participate in a spirit of joy and respect for local traditions. Always ask permission before taking photos of participants.

Holi, a celebration to absolutely experience in Mauritius

Whether you are a resident or a passing tourist, experiencing Holi in Mauritius is an unforgettable experience. The festival illustrates better than any other the deeply multicultural and warm soul of this island, where each community shares its traditions with generosity. In 2026, with the Rang Barse festival at Domaine Rose Belle from February 28, and the traditional celebrations on March 3 and 4, Mauritius will be adorned with all the colors of the rainbow to welcome spring.