GIS – 12 March 2026: The nation marked today its 58th Anniversary of Independence and 34rd Anniversary of the Republic with a grand flag-raising ceremony held at 16 30 hrs at Champ de Mars.
The ceremony was graced by the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharam Gokhool; the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam; Ministers and other personalities. The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, and the First Lady of the Republic of Seychelles, Mrs Veronique Herminie, attended as Chief Guests.
The theme of the ceremony, ‘In Peace, Justice and Liberty’, resonated throughout the proceedings. The national flag was hoisted as the national anthem was played across the grounds. A 21-Gun Salute followed the raising of the flag as part of the official ceremony.
The celebration continued with a trooping of the National Colour by the Police helicopter, a highly anticipated tradition where the flag is paraded to showcase the nation’s unity and pride. The spectacle reached new heights with fly pasts by the Mauritius Police Force helicopters, Indian Navy helicopter, the Dornier aircraft, and the CASA aircraft of the Forces Armées de la Zone Sud de l’Océan Indien.
The event also featured a march-past, with members of the Mauritius Disciplined Forces, the Mauritius Revenue Authority, the Fisheries Protection Service, the Détachement from the French 2ème Régiment de Parachutistes d’Infanterie de Marine des Forces Armées de la Zone Sud de l’Océan Indien, and contingents from Seychelles People’s Defence Forces and the Indian Navy together with majors and majorettes of Queen Elizabeth College and representatives of Uniformed Organisations.
The celebrations proceeded with, amongst others, a défilé of vehicles, performances by the bands of the Mauritius Police Force and the Indian Navy, and a demonstration by Dog Units of the Mauritius Police Force, the Mauritius Prison Service and the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
A cultural programme, a popular show and a drone show by the Mauritius Film Development Corporation were also on the agenda.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
