Tamil community celebrates their New Year 5116

Reunion Island is home to many ethnic groups, one of the hallmarks of the island’s cultural and culinary variety and integral part of its history.

A sizeable Tamil community is celebrating their New Year, number 5116 to be precise, and their festival has become part of the calendar of events, which is being promoted in markets overseas, to come and join the colorful party which unfolds every year.

According to Reunion Island Tourism (IRT), the celebrations begin every year in April for the Hindu Tamils. To start the festivities, a ritual bathing takes place, followed by a religious ceremony that brings together all family members. Wearing new clothes and outfits, the Tamils then thank God for all the graces granted during the year. Through their prayers, they also ask for blessings and happiness in their homes and their families on the occasion of the New Year.

This is a favorable time for reconciliation, renewals, meals, and cultural performances. It also gives the community an opportunity for children to receive New Year gifts from their families.

According to the lunar calendar, the New Year celebration is either on April 13, 14 or 15. This date change is related to the number of days up the previous year. Offerings are made to the gods, including Ganesh and Muruga. Tamils offer rice cakes, milk, and sugar and ask the gods to watch over them.

A traditional part of the Tamil New Year is the preparing and sharing of meals which are specially created. The dishes combine six flavors including sweet, salty, sweet, sour, and bitter, which represent the various components of everyday life: the good and the bad times.

Highlights of the celebrations during the New Year festival are spread across all four corners of the island:

North Side

The library of St. Mary hosts exhibitions, dances, and conferences until April 18. Cultural activities await to be discovered in the town of Saint-Denis.

East Side

The Le Bocage site will offer a parade and a light and sound show on Saturday, April 18. The Festival of Colors as well as Holi Holi will take place on the square of the open market from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, April 19.

South Side

The mayor of Saint Louis then hosts dance performances and music in the gardens, on Tuesday, April 14, from 7 pm onwards. The center, Lucet Langenier St. Pierre, will host a free sega, maloya, and Bharata Natyam show on Saturday, April 18. On April 19, the Saint-Pierre resource center will offer a full day of entertainment.

West Side

There will be events in Saint Paul and Saint-Leu. The West Intercommunal Tourist Office will also provide a tour of historical sites on Sunday, April 19.