Diwali Lights in Mauritius: A Decorator's Safety Warning
With 25 years of experience, Sandiven Kathapermall of Sanju Decor urges Mauritians to take precautions when installing festive lights this Diwali.
As Diwali approaches, homes across Mauritius are being transformed with colourful lights and decorations. Professional installers like Sandiven Kathapermall, founder of Sanju Decor, are in high demand, but he says the excitement of the season should never come at the cost of safety.
Kathapermall, who has 25 years of experience in festive lighting installation, currently has 30 homes on his list, with only five left to complete. His team handles everything from rooftop rigging to electrical connections, and he is clear that cutting corners is not an option.
Working at height is one of the biggest risks. His crew uses safety harnesses attached to iron bars when working near the edges of rooftops, a precaution he considers non-negotiable. He also flags a hazard that many homeowners may overlook: roofs covered in moss or algae, which become extremely slippery and dangerous underfoot.
"Everyone can put up their own lights, but they need to take precautions," he said. "Some roofs have moss on them and it is extremely slippery. If you find it like that, it is better not to venture up."
Electricity is the other key concern. Kathapermall says he personally handles all electrical connections himself rather than leaving them to workers, and wraps every connection in plastic to prevent water from getting in and causing short circuits. Given that Diwali often coincides with the onset of Mauritius's rainy season in late October or early November, this is a particularly important step.
For Mauritians who choose to install their own lights, his advice is straightforward: never work alone on a roof, check the surface for moss or algae before stepping onto it, use proper footwear with grip, and always waterproof electrical joints.
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is one of the most widely celebrated occasions in Mauritius, where Hindus make up approximately 48 percent of the population. The festival typically involves decorating homes with oil lamps called diyas, as well as electric string lights and elaborate light displays, making professional decorators like Sanju Decor especially busy in the weeks leading up to it.
What this means: Whether you hire a professional or hang your own lights this Diwali, basic safety steps, particularly around rooftop work and waterproofed electrical connections, can prevent serious accidents. If your roof is mossy or steep, bringing in an experienced installer is the safer choice.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali celebrated in Mauritius?β
Diwali in Mauritius is a public holiday and typically falls in October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. It is one of the most widely observed festivals on the island, where Hindus represent roughly 48 percent of the population.
Is it safe to install your own Diwali lights in Mauritius?β
According to experienced decorator Sandiven Kathapermall of Sanju Decor, homeowners can install their own lights but must take precautions: avoid roofs with moss or algae as they are extremely slippery, use a safety harness if working at height, never work alone, and always wrap electrical connections in plastic to prevent water ingress and short circuits.
How do professional Diwali light installers in Mauritius stay safe on rooftops?β
Professionals such as the team at Sanju Decor use safety harnesses attached to iron bars when working near roof edges. They also personally manage all electrical connections and weatherproof them with plastic wrapping to guard against the rain that is common in Mauritius during the Diwali season.
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