GIS – 14 Jan 2026: The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, carried out a site visit this morning at Grand Bassin ahead of the forthcoming Maha Shivratree festival, to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place allowing devotees to complete their pilgrimage and perform their prayers in best conditions.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by several Ministers and members of the Task Force for Maha Shivratree and Thaipoosam Cavadee.
In a statement, Dr Ramgoolam indicated that the Task Force had taken into account complaints received regarding the presence of ducks and cats at the site, and assured devotees and pilgrims that appropriate measures would be taken to address these concerns.
He commended the Minister of National Infrastructure, Mr Govindranath Gunness, for the drainage works carried out at Ganga Talao to avoid water accumulation, thereby facilitating the smooth conduct of prayers. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the works and saluted the collaboration of the various stakeholders involved.
Dr Ramgoolam called on devotees to undertake their pilgrimage with discipline and expressed hope that the festival would take place smoothly and without incident.
For his part, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Bachoo, recalled that commercial activities are not permitted at Ganga Talao during the festival, in order to maintain discipline and ensure the orderly conduct of Maha Shivratree.
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