Being a high place for the Hindus, the lake of Ganga Talao is a place of pilgrimage.  At some times of the year, it is crowded with thousands of devotees.  Apart from this, it is a peaceful spot visited by both profanes and religious people.        

A monologue accompanied by a far away music permeates the calmness that reigns along the Ganga Taloa.  It's a prayer that comes from a Hindu temple or "mandir" built by this sacred lakeside in Grand-Bassin.  It's a tourist and religious spot, (under the Ministry of Environment's responsibility) that is nestled in the south of the country towards Bois Chéri.      

A family is performing their ablutions in front of the goddess Dévi, a statue that is almost the same size as a man and is draped in brightly coloured fabrics.  She is found behind a showcase and sits enthroned on a pedestal. Fruits and offerings as well as oil lamps with small flickering flames are placed in front of her.  A strong scent of incense pervades the atmosphere.           

Someone else joins the group.  He rings the bell placed at the entrance, to signal his arrival to the deities of the spots.  One should take one's shoes off before entering the temples.      

Behind the large glaze of the "mandir," the tourists curiously watch the ceremony.  A local tourist guide is explaining to them what is currently happening.       

Some of them enter into the hall (after having rung the bell and taken one's shoes off).  Certainly, with a less pious attitude but always in silence, they take snaps or record the scene.  The devotees do not seem to be bothered and continue their prayers with no concern at all.    

Besides, it seems to have more visitors than priors on the spots.  They wander from one room to the other, admiring at the assorted deities statues that are featured in the various edifices: Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh and Hanuman...