Maha Shivaratree: Road to Ganga Talao

At Ste-Croix, a group of volunteers prepares to welcome the pilgrims when they will return from their journey.

As every year, a few days of the festival Maha Shivaratree the streets of Mauritius radiate the splendor of kawals placed on the shoulders of pilgrims. This year, Kishan Bahadoor is a group of friends to mingle procession to the sacred lake, as they did last year, when they made their first pilgrimage together. "We are 17 and we all live on the same street. Since our childhood, we accompany our parents to celebrate. Last year, we decided to design our own Kawal and to make the pilgrimage together. We are going again this year. "

Kawal.

When we met at one of the group members, youth ended their beautiful design Kawal. It had its final appearance, he was missing a few pieces of cloth to cover certain areas and installation of shoulder pads that allow devotees wear Kawal. "We started the design on February 1 and we are happy with the result. Last year, we used wood as a raw material and Kawal was very heavy. This year, we chose relatively light metals such as aluminum. What makes our Kawal be less hard to bear, "they say. The cost of design is around Rs 18,000 as young people.

Lent.

To properly perform their pilgrimage, young entrust they will observe Lent and be faithful to the traditional prayers before, during and after their journey. "We do not eat meat or drink alcohol. Before leaving home, around 17h March 6, we will make a prayer, which will give us courage for the journey, "said Kishan. He said that his parents and those of his friends will accompany to the next village, before turning back. As young people, they planned to sit for three hours in the vicinity of Solitude before continuing their pilgrimage to the sacred lake.

March 6, young intersect probably on the way back, Minta Quedoo volunteers and colleagues Ste-Croix Sai Baba Centre as well as Sai Baba Centres in the north. These are the seva for many years. "Seva means to give food and drink to the pilgrims. We arrange to go to Grand Bassin before everyone to serve the devotees who will make the pilgrimage. The fact serve pilgrims gives us great satisfaction, "said Minta.

Herculean task.

According Minta, a Herculean task awaits her colleagues and March 8, the day they chose to organize the seva. "We are about 80 people in the temple Kaylasson. We will prepare everything on site. Throughout the day, there will be adults, children and the elderly, each with its clearly defined role. Some will cook, others will serve the pilgrims while others will do the dishes. "

The pilgrims will be able to quench their thirst with gallons of juice and eat the food they are preparing. As every year, the group of volunteers prepare faratas accompanied by large fish curry and potatoes, a rougaille apple of love, a coconut chutney and mango koutia. Also on the menu, the Briani. Minta said he must provide menus containing salt and without salt. "There are many devotees who do not like salt. Must be taken into account. "

Ingredients.

Given the large number of pilgrims expected Minta says she plans to use more than 4 balls of flour, 150 pounds of pumpkin, 50 pounds of fat and 100 pounds of peas potatoes. "Every year, the number of people we increases. We expect a little more each year in order to meet the demand. "Volunteers also completed the purchase of cups, plates and plastic spoons. Under the big tent to accommodate the pilgrims will rise two days before.