Bihar Festival 2026 celebrates shared heritage between Mauritius and India

GIS – 21 March 2026: The High Commission of India is hosting the Bihar Festival 2026 from 20 to 22 March 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture in Phoenix. The inauguration ceremony was held yesterday in presence of the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharambeer Gokhool; the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea; the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; Members of Parliament; the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mr Anurag Srivastava; members of the Indian diaspora; and other distinguished guests. In his keynote address, President Gokhool described the Bihar Festival as a profound reminder of identity and ancestry, calling it a living symbol of Mauritian heritage. Through its vibrant display of traditional cuisine, folk dances, music and handicrafts, the festival goes beyond a cultural showcase, he said. He highlighted the strong economic, historical and cultural ties between Mauritius and India, noting that a significant segment of the population traces its roots to Bihar. Over generations, these communities have preserved their languages, traditions, festivals, and spiritual values. The President also recalled the 16 stone steps at the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where thousands of men, women, and children first arrived, later becoming builders of modern Mauritius. He emphasised that the depth of this cultural heritage continues to evolve, maintaining a connection with ancestral lands. Bihar, he said, stands as a symbol of civilisation and knowledge, whose values transcend history and geography. President Gokhool reaffirmed his commitment to continue promoting and preserving cultural heritage and underscored the importance of safeguarding Mauritius’ rich cultural diversity for future generations. High Commissioner Srivastava recalled the arrival of indentured labourers from Bihar in 1834, noting that they brought not only their songs, languages, and traditions but also a rich cultural soul that has flourished and become an integral part of the Mauritian landscape. He highlighted that the Bhojpuri language and the traditional practice of Geet Gawai continue to thrive and have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He commended the Mauritian people for their dedication in preserving and promoting this heritage across generations. He described the Festival 2026 as a fitting tribute to the enduring traditions and cultural richness of Bihar, celebrating the shared origins, diversity, and historical journey that unite India and Mauritius. It serves as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, fostering dialogue, strengthening bonds, and deepening mutual understanding and appreciation of the shared history and heritage between the two nations, he added.

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Topics: Culture