India is known globally as the motherland of Hinduism, where the most followers of this religion are. But do you know that apart from India and its neighbor Nepal, there is another country where Hinduism has a significant presence and that too not in Asia? It is a country Mauritius, a magnificent island nation in the Indian Ocean who is known for its ancient beaches, green greenery and peaceful environment.
Of course, India has the highest number of Hindus, according to the 2011 census, the number of their followers is more than 966 million. This is about 79.8 percent of the total population of the country, which is more than 1.21 billion. The rest includes Muslim (14.2 percent), Christian (2.3 percent) and Sikh (1.7 percent), while Buddhists and Jains are less than 1 percent.
This is followed by Nepal, which is the only Hindu dominated country in the world. About 80% of Nepal’s population follows Hinduism, and this religion plays an important role in shaping its culture, festivals and daily lives.
Mauritius: A Hindu Center in the Indian Ocean
Surprisingly, Mauritius ranks third in terms of Hindu population by percentage. Despite its small size and diverse cultural mixture, more than 40% of people in Mauritius are Hindus.
The roots of Hinduism in Mauritius go back to the 19th century, when Girmatia laborers from India were brought to the island by the British. Over time, these communities preserved their traditions, languages and religious practices, making Hinduism one of the major cultural pillars of modern Mauritius.
Today, this island celebrates Hindu festivals like Diwali, Mahashivratri and Ganesh Chaturthi with grandeur and national pride. The temple is scattered in the landscape, and traditional rituals are deeply involved in everyday life.
Culture and beauty mixture
Beyond its religious demographics, Mauritius is a destination that mesmerizes travelers with its turquoise lagoon, coral reefs and volcanic mountains. Whether you are searching for the Grand Basin (a sacred lake for Hindus), resting on the beach, dreamed of the sun, or drowning yourself in the Creole culture, this island offers a unique mixture of spirituality and peace.
In a world where Hinduism is often connected to the Indian subcontinent, Mauritius is a beautiful example of how culture and faith can travel, and can flourish and rich.
