Indo-Mauritian - Demographics and Indo-Mauritians Today

Demographics and Indo-Mauritians Today

Today the population can be broken down into three main groups: Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Of the entire Indo-Mauritian population, North Indian Hindus compose 52%, South Indian Hindus another quarter, and the Muslims (from any part of India) forming most of the remaining population. There are 19% Maharashtrian population mostly Maratha's in 4th generation now. There are also new minorities, such as Indian Sikhs, Hare Krishnas (became popular throughout the 1970s where some Mauritians converted) and non-religious These A small and unspecified population are also followers of the Bahá'í Faith. There is also a small Buddhist population.

Some Hindus tend to follow the Indian Caste system, though, because of their relatively small population and their disconnection with India, the system has become less complex and in some cases completely overlooked.

There are many temples built by Federation of Marathi Mandli like Ganesh, Shankar, Alandi etc.There is a Sikh Gurudwara in Port Louis, named Sri Guru Singh Sabha. It is the only major Gurudwara in Mauritius, this was build for the recent labourers brought into Mauritius. Most Sikhs outside Port Louis pray at home. Several Mosques and Temples also exist throughout the island. Indian decent-dominated churches are mostly based in southern Mauritius.

Indo-Mauritians exist in Rodrigues, locally known as Indo-Rodriguans. The population on the main island has increased by the arrival of the Chagossians of Indian origin, although they are classed as "other" under the national census.

All Indo-Mauritians speak Creole. However some groups will consider Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil or Telugu to be their mother tongue. Out of the whole population,less than 0.6% of Indo-Mauritians choose not to not speak Creole. However, because most Mauritians are multilingual, most of the Indo-Mauritians speak both Creole and at least one (if not more) Indian Language, plus English and French.

All Mauritians groups including indo Mauritians have had an impact on Mauritian life dominating the economic and political faces of the island. Most Hindu celebrations are public holidays. Mauritian food with Indian origin are enjoyed by most of the people, with Alouda, Dhol Puri, Carri (curry) being some of the most well-known dishes and are shared national dishes owned by no religion or ethnic group. Indian influenced music is also strong. The island has its own groups of Bhojpuri Sega singers and this 'style' is becoming as popular as the traditionalSega. Indian Bollywood and Bhangra are some of the most popular genres of music enjoyed by many Mauritians, however they are mostly enjoyed by the Indo-Mauritians.