From Cuisine to Ceremony in Mauritius: A Sociological Study of Cultural Preservation in the Bhojpuri Diaspora

This in-depth study thoroughly investigates the long-term presence of significant elements of cultural identity within the Bhojpuri community residing in Mauritius. The study scrutinises key cultural practices related to food, dancing, music, clothing, religious festivals, and rituals. By conducting a detailed examination of these intricate activities, the research provides unique perspectives on how they foster cultural preservation, social cohesion in the face of variability, and the transmission of cultural knowledge across generations. Significant uncertainties persist regarding further sociocultural aspects that also reinforce the unique cultural legacy of this ethnic group after enduring decades of transformation. The study finds that the community’s firm adherence to traditional North Indian customs, Bhojpuri dance and music, and traditional attire reflects a deeply ingrained cultural habitus. Rituals and festivals such as Durga Puja and Diwali reinforce collective identity and community solidarity. The participation of younger generations in these cultural practices underscores the community’s resilience in maintaining its heritage, despite the challenges of living in a multicultural diasporic setting. The research employs a qualitative methodology, combining in-depth interviews, quasi-participant observation, and archival research to capture the lived experiences of the Bhojpuri community. The primary objectives are to analyse the inter-generational transmission of cultural practices and examine the influence of internal factors like cultural contact and external factors such as market forces and globalisation on maintaining traditional practices. This study emphasises the role of cultural activities in sustaining the socio-cultural fabric of migrant populations while adapting to shifting societal dynamics.