The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, chaired, this afternoon at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis, a meeting of the National Task Force to review preparations for the forthcoming Père Laval pilgrimage, Ganesh Chaturthi and Shri Venkateshwara Pooja, emphasising the importance of ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place for the celebrations to be held in safe, disciplined and appropriate conditions.
The meeting brought together the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; several Ministers; representatives of Ministries, law enforcement agencies, Local Authorities and socio-cultural organisations to review arrangements for the three religious events.
The Père Laval pilgrimage will be held on 8 and 9 September 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi on 14 and 15 September 2026, while Shri Venkateshwara Pooja will take place from 12 September to 20 October 2026.
Socio-cultural organisations raised several concerns, including the provision of more tents, adequate chairs, water and electricity supplies, and improved lighting. Other matters discussed are cleaning of rivers and seas, trimming of trees, provision of mobile toilets, medical and fire services, as well as Police and National Coast Guard support.
The Prime Minister underlined the importance of close coordination among Ministries and proactive collaboration between all stakeholders, particularly in relation to logistics, security, health, parking and traffic management.
Dr Ramgoolam also called on pilgrims and the public to follow Police instructions, exercise responsibility and keep public spaces clean by avoiding disposal of plastic bottles, paper and other waste. He also highlighted Mauritius’ tradition of unity in diversity and noted that Government has earmarked more than Rs 124 million for religious events during the financial year.
The Deputy Prime Minister indicated that stakeholders could avail of facilities of the Sugar Industry Welfare Fund for the provision of chairs, while the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, called for measures to facilitate the safe movement of pilgrims to Port Louis and the timely implementation of the Task Force decisions.
As regards medical arrangements, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, outlined that ambulance services will be deployed in the Père Laval–Saint Croix area. Regional hospitals will be placed on alert, while medical assistance will also be available at the Saint Croix Community Health Centre, which will remain open until 18.00 hours. Larviciding, inspection and disinfection measures will also be undertaken as part of the health and sanitation preparations.
The Minister of National Infrastructure, Mr Govindranath Gunness, advised the concerned stakeholders to launch the tendering process for tents at an early stage. A cash grant will subsequently be provided in accordance with the applicable arrangements.
As for the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Patrick Gervais Assirvaden, he assured stakeholders of measures to maintain water and electricity supplies, including the deployment of water tankers where required. The Minister of Land Transport, Mr Mahomed Osman Cassam Mahomed, announced that bus and Metro services will operate until late for the Père Laval pilgrimage with around seven to eight bus routes operating until 2 a.m, with the possibility of extending services further, if required.
The Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Mr Lutchmanah Pentiah, mentioned that the necessary preparations for the Shri Venkateshwara Pooja will be undertaken to ensure that the religious event is held in the best possible conditions.
Other Ministers present including the Minister of Tourism, Mr Christian Harold Richard Duval; the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum; the Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit; and the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea, also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the smooth and safe organisation of the forthcoming religious celebrations.
12 August 2026
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