An immense joy to attend the Chhath Puja organised by the Swastikam Foundation in Petit Raffray and the Purvanchal Group in Quatre Bornes, celebrated for the first time.
Chhath Puja is a vibrant celebration of our ancestors from Bihar, UP, and Eastern India, who, despite the hardships of marronage and indenture, kept their devotion to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya alive across generations.
A celebration with a universal message that the Sun is the source of life and is worthy of worship by all.
We must continue to revive and celebrate these ancient traditions that have faded on our island but still live in our hearts.
I thank the organisers and especially commend the women, whose steadfast devotion through fasting, prayers and songs, keeps this heritage alive.
Together, we must carry forward the universal values of light, gratitude, and renewal.