Ramadan 2027 in Mauritius is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, with the holy month ending around Wednesday, 10 March 2027 and Eid al-Fitr anticipated on Thursday, 11 March 2027. The final dates rest with the local moon sighting committee, which confirms the sighting of the crescent the evening before the first fast.
Sunni Muslims of Indian descent make up roughly 18% of Mauritius’s population, and Ramadan carries a distinctly Mauritian rhythm that blends South Asian heritage with Creole island life. This guide covers the essentials — dates, Sehri and Iftar timings, traditions, food, and etiquette — for residents and visitors flying into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Start planning with flights to Mauritius and hotels in Mauritius on Wego.
When Is Ramadan in Mauritius in 2027?
Astronomers expect the first fast to fall on Monday, 8 February 2027, with the month wrapping up around Wednesday, 10 March 2027. The precise start and end will be confirmed by the local moon sighting committee the evening before the first fast, in line with Mauritius’s tradition of observing the hilal from coastal vantage points.
Ramadan 2027 Key Dates
| Event | Expected Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | Monday, 8 February 2027 | Subject to moon sighting |
| Laylat al-Qadr (27th night) | Around 5 March 2027 | Sought in the last ten odd nights |
| Last day of Ramadan | Wednesday, 10 March 2027 | Subject to moon sighting |
| Eid al-Fitr | Thursday, 11 March 2027 | Public holiday in Mauritius |
Because Ramadan 2027 falls at the tail end of the Mauritian summer, fasting hours in Port Louis will run roughly 13 hours on day one, shortening slightly as the month progresses into autumn.
Sehri and Iftar Times in Mauritius
The official Ramadan calendar for Mauritius is published annually by the Jummah Masjid in Port Louis, with separate regional PDFs. For Ramadan 2027, expect Sehri around 4:40 AM to 4:55 AM and Iftar between 6:20 PM and 6:45 PM, shifting through the month.
Estimated times below cover Port Louis and similar-altitude regions (Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, Mahebourg), based on the 2026 Jummah Masjid calendar. Confirm with the official 2027 calendar when released.
| Week of Ramadan | Sehri (Fajr) | Iftar (Maghrib) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (early Feb) | ~ 4:40 AM | ~ 6:45 PM |
| Week 2 | ~ 4:44 AM | ~ 6:40 PM |
| Week 3 | ~ 4:48 AM | ~ 6:33 PM |
| Week 4 (early Mar) | ~ 4:52 AM | ~ 6:25 PM |
These timings will shift slightly in 2027. Always confirm with the official Jummah Masjid calendar or Namaz Times web app before the first fast.
Regional Adjustments
Jummah Masjid notes small altitude-based time shifts:
- Coromandel, Pailles, Pamplemousses, Flacq, Plaine Magnien: Sehri 2 mins earlier, Iftar 2 mins later.
- Beau Bassin, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Rose Belle: Sehri 3 mins earlier, Iftar 3 mins later.
- Phoenix, Vacoas, Curepipe, Forest Side, Moka: Sehri 4 mins earlier, Iftar 4 mins later.
How Ramadan Shapes Daily Life in Mauritius
Ramadan in Mauritius is less about citywide shutdowns and more about community rituals playing out in homes, mosques, and neighbourhoods like Plaine Verte, Quatre Bornes, and Port Louis. Unlike in the Gulf, public life continues largely as normal — offices, shops, and restaurants keep standard hours — but the evenings transform.
The Daily Rhythm
- Suhoor (before Fajr): Families share a pre-dawn meal of bread, eggs, dhal puri, or leftover briyani, washed down with tea or alouda.
- Workday (morning to late afternoon): Mauritius does not change official working hours for Ramadan, so most Muslims continue their regular schedules while fasting.
- Iftar (sunset): Families gather at home to break the fast with dates, fruit, and savoury snacks like gateau piment and samosas, followed by a proper meal.
- Taraweeh (after Isha): Mosques across the island fill for Taraweeh prayers, which can last up to 90 minutes.
- Late night: Bakeries and sweet shops in Plaine Verte and Rose-Hill stay open late, and families visit each other for tea and desserts.
Public Etiquette for Visitors
Mauritius is multi-religious, so public eating, drinking, and smoking are not restricted during Ramadan daylight hours — a key distinction from the Gulf. Still, cultural sensitivity goes a long way.
- Near mosques and Muslim-majority areas (Plaine Verte, Ward IV, Camp Yoloff), keep food and drink discreet during the day.
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques — cover shoulders and knees; women should bring a headscarf.
- Offer iftar greetings like “Ramadan Mubarak” to fasting neighbours or colleagues.
- Avoid loud music near mosques during prayer times.
Tips for Travellers
- Beaches and resorts are quieter during Ramadan, so you’ll find better hotel deals and less crowded attractions.
- Halal food is widely available — all butchers on the island are Muslim-owned and monitored by the Meat Authority.
- Many resorts and hotels offer special iftar buffets; book ahead in Muslim-friendly areas like Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, and Port Louis.
- If you’re flying in, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport has a dedicated prayer room in the terminal.
Traditions and Cultural Expressions
Moon Sighting on the Coast
Mauritian Muslims traditionally head to the coast on the night of the crescent — small groups board boats or climb elevated spots along northern and western beaches, scanning the horizon. Once sighted, word spreads through WhatsApp, and families exchange hugs to mark the start of the month of mercy.
Iftar Food Culture
Mauritian iftar tables are a mash-up of South Asian, Creole, and Middle Eastern influences. The meal typically opens with dates and fresh fruit, then savoury snacks and a main course.
- Gateau piment: Spiced split pea fritters with green chilli — the undisputed iftar staple.
- Samosas: Fried pastry pockets with spiced potato, beef, or fish.
- Dhal puri: Thin flatbread filled with yellow split peas, served with curry.
- Briyani: Saffron rice layered with marinated meat, potatoes, and fried onions.
- Haleem and kalia: Slow-cooked stews popular in Plaine Verte kitchens.
- Alouda: A chilled milk drink with tukmaria seeds and rose syrup.
Ramadan Markets and Street Food
Come evening, Plaine Verte, Rose-Hill, and Quatre Bornes transform into open-air food hubs. Pop-up stalls sell samosas, gateau piment, rôti, kebabs, and sweets like gateau patate — all timed for iftar pickup. Port Louis’s Rue Desforges night market extends its hours, and Plaine Verte bakeries stay open past midnight for suhoor runs.
Charity and Community
Generosity is the heartbeat of Ramadan in Mauritius. Mosques and community centres organise daily iftar distributions for the needy, and Zakat collection is coordinated through local Waqf committees. Charitable food drives ramp up during the final ten nights.
Faith and Worship
The Jummah Mosque in Port Louis, built in the 1850s, is a striking blend of Moorish and Mughal architecture and one of the island’s most iconic religious landmarks. The Al-Aqsa Masjid, the first mosque on the island, dates back to 1805 and holds National Heritage status.
Taraweeh prayers are held nightly across Port Louis, Plaine Verte, Quatre Bornes, Rose-Hill, and Curepipe, running 8 to 20 raka’at after Isha. Many worshippers aim to complete a full Qur’an recitation over the month. In the final ten nights, mosques hold extended Qiyam al-Layl vigils, with the 27th night — commonly observed as Laylat al-Qadr — drawing the largest crowds.
Preparing for Eid al-Fitr 2027
Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected to fall on Thursday, 11 March 2027, and is a declared public holiday in Mauritius. Banks, government offices, and most businesses close for the day.
Eid Morning
Muslims wake early, wear new clothes and perfume, and head to mosques for the Eid prayer. Men typically attend congregational prayers at large venues like the Jummah Mosque in Port Louis, while families gather at home afterwards for breakfast.
The Eid Feast
Briyani is the star of Mauritian Eid tables. Families cook massive pots to share with relatives, friends, and neighbours — including non-Muslim ones, in the spirit of vivre ensemble. Sweet treats like gateau patate, ladoo, and barfi round out the meal.
Visiting and Gift-Giving
The day unfolds as a round of visits between homes. Children receive Eidi (gifts and money), and families exchange plates of sweets with Hindu and Christian neighbours — reflecting the island’s famous cultural harmony.
For the final date, watch for announcements from local Islamic authorities and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Mauritius?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027 and end around Wednesday, 10 March 2027, subject to moon sighting by local Islamic authorities.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2027 in Mauritius?
Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on Thursday, 11 March 2027. It is a declared public holiday in Mauritius, with banks, schools, and most businesses closed for the day.
Can non-Muslims eat and drink in public during Ramadan in Mauritius?
Yes. Unlike in the Gulf, there are no legal restrictions on public eating, drinking, or smoking during Ramadan in Mauritius. Travellers are simply encouraged to be discreet near mosques and in Muslim-majority neighbourhoods out of respect.
Is Mauritius a good destination during Ramadan?
Yes, especially for Muslim travellers. Halal food is widely available, mosques are plentiful, beaches are quieter than peak season, and hotels often offer special iftar menus. Areas like Plaine Verte, Quatre Bornes, and Rose-Hill are particularly Muslim-friendly.
What’s the best Mauritian iftar dish to try?
Start with gateau piment (chilli fritters) and fish samosas, then move on to briyani or haleem. Wash it down with a glass of alouda for the full Mauritian iftar experience.
Sources
- Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius — General Notice No. 1195 of 2025 Public Holidays
- Treasury, Government of Mauritius — Public Holidays
- PublicHolidays.mu — Eid al-Fitr 2026, 2027 and 2028
- Jummah Masjid Port Louis — Official Ramadan Calendar 1447/2026
- Jummah Masjid — Namaz Times Mauritius Web App
- IslamicFinder — Mauritius Ramadan Calendar
- Islam in Mauritius — Historical and demographic overview
- Ile Maurice — The Sacred Month of Ramadan
- Restaurants.mu — Ramadan in Mauritius
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
