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Welcome to The Montreal Mauritius Sanatan Dharma Society's activities page! Here is an overview of the festivals among the many, we celebrate throughout the year. We invite everyone, regardless of age or membership status, to explore and participate in our cultural celebrations.
Makar Sankranti
Date: January 14, 2026
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival, marking the Sun's transition into the Capricorn (Makar) zodiac sign and the start of its northward journey (Uttarayana). It signifies the end of winter, longer days, and gratitude for harvests, often celebrated with kite flying and eating sesame/jaggery sweets.
Vasant Panchami
Date: January 23, 2026
Vasant Panchami, celebrated on the fifth day of the Hindu lunar month of Magha (Jan-Feb), marks the arrival of spring and is primarily dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and art. It is characterized by wearing yellow attire, offering yellow flowers, and worshipping to mark the start of learning for children.
Maha Shivratri
Date: February 05, 2026
Maha Shivaratri, meaning "the Great Night of Shiva," is celebrated annually in February or March (the 14th night of the waning moon in Magha or Phalguna) to honor Lord Shiva. It signifies overcoming darkness and ignorance, marking the the night Shiva saved the world by consuming poison.
Holi
Date: March 04, 2026
Holi is a vibrant Hindu "festival of colors" celebrated globally, usually in March, marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It is a two-day event involving, bonfires (Holika Dahan) to signify destroying evil, followed by a playful, joyful day of throwing coloured powders and water on friends and family
Ugadi
Date: March 19, 2026
Ugadi is the Hindu New Year, usually celebrated in March or April. It marks the start of the lunisolar calendar with festivities, special food (like Ugadi Pachadi), and new beginnings, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and the beginning of the spring season.
Ram Nawmi
Date: March 26, 2026
Ram Navami is a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, symbolizing the victory of righteousness over evil. It falls on the ninth day (Navami) of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March–April), often marking the end of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri celebrations
Hanuman Jayanti
Date: April 02, 2026
Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the monkey deity revered for his strength, devotion (bhakti), and courage. Celebrated primarily on Chaitra Purnima (full moon) in March-April, devotees visit temples, chant the Hanuman Chalisa, and apply sindoor to honor him as a protector against evil.
Varusha Pirappu
Date: April 14, 2026
Varusha Pirappu, also known as Puthandu or the Tamil New Year, is the celebration of the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai in Mauritius. It marks a time of renewal, joy, and prosperity, celebrated by Tamil Mauritians with special meals, decorations, and visits to temples
Raksha Bandhan
Date: August 28, 2026
Holi is a vibrant Hindu "festival of colors" celebrated globally, usually in March, marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It is a two-day event involving, bonfires (Holika Dahan) to signify destroying evil, followed by a playful, joyful day of throwing coloured powders and water on friends and family
Krishna Janmashtami
Date: September 04, 2026
Krishna Janmashtami is a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, believed to be born on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in Bhadrapada (August-September). It commemorates his birth in Mathura to destroy tyranny and restore righteousness, often celebrated with midnight prayers, fasting, and reenactments of his childhood.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Date: September 14, 2026
Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant 10-day Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. It typically falls in August or September, starting with the installation of decorated Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, and concluding with their immersion (Visarjan) in water.
Durga Puja
Date: October 17 - 21, 2026
Durga Puja honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated over ten days (peaking on the last five), it features massive, themed, artistic pandals, traditional drumming, and community feasts, and was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021.
Karwa Chawth
Date: October 29, 2026
Karwa Chauth is a sacred festival dedicated to the enduring bond of marriage. On this auspicious day, married women observe a strict Nirjala (waterless) fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the longevity, health, and prosperity of their husbands.
Diwali
Date: November 08, 2026
Diwali is celebrated globally to signify the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It involves lighting clay lamps (diyas), fireworks, exchanging sweets, and cleaning homes to welcome prosperity.
Feel welcome and informed
We want this page to be informative, vibrant, and to give you a true sense of our community spirit. Feel free to browse through our event highlights and envision yourself as part of our next gathering. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our upcoming activities!