Sweet cakes overflow from the stalls whilst candles and terracotta lamps sell like hot cakes. Saris are fiercely negotiated over. A party feeling fills the air.

In Mauritius, the celebrations lead on one from another, without any resemblance between them. After Aapravasi Ghat, the country and its’ Hindi community in particular gets itself ready for “Divali”.

“I aim to light two hundred lamps this year, even if it is windy or raining”, says Reshma, a local from Quatre Bornes. She has got out the small terracotta lamps that she and her family used to decorate their house last year. Like lots of people, they have been looking forward to this “festival of lights”.

Every year, numerous households go through the same preparation ritual that includes repainting, cleaning, baking and repairing of the lamps that are to be lit during the celebrations.

The party atmosphere can be felt in the shops and in the streets. “Divali” cakes fill the stalls. “Rasgula”, “gulaab jamun” and other such like are popular pastry cakes. They are renowned for their extremely sweet taste.

Traditionally, families spend the eve of the party getting ready. However, nowadays, more and more people prefer to order their delicacies from professionals. They are then distributed to friends, neighbours and family members during the party and the days that follow.

Candles and terracotta lamps can also be seen.  They are placed around the houses, on the steps and on the roofs as a symbol of the victory of light amidst the gloom.