Mauritian occasion
Mauritian Independence Day in Surrey
12 March
This year's gathering
On 12 March 1968 Mauritius became independent. On 12 March 1992 the island became a republic. One date, two chapters — which is why so many Mauritian families treat mid-March as the national moment of the year, wherever they now live.
Hindu Mauritian Sabha (UK) marks Independence Day with the community in Epsom: four-coloured flags, island food, music, and the pleasure of being in a room where you do not have to explain why the date matters. You do not need to have been born in Mauritius to come; plenty of our regulars grew up here.
The celebration is at St. Clement’s Church Hall on Kingston Road — our usual home, a short hop from Ewell, Worcester Park, Sutton and Kingston. When the year’s evening, running order and any tickets are confirmed, they appear on this page.
Where we gather
St. Clement's Church Hall307 Kingston Rd, Epsom KT19 0BW — West Ewell / Epsom border
Every HMS (UK) festival gathering is in Epsom. New Year's Eve is the exception, in Kingston.
How to get to Epsom →Questions
Why 12 March?
Mauritius gained independence from Britain on 12 March 1968. That is the date we celebrate.
Is this the same as Republic Day?
Mauritius became a republic on 12 March 1992, so the island marks both Independence and Republic Day on the same date. Our gathering is framed as Independence Day, with a nod to that second chapter.
Where is the HMS (UK) celebration?
St. Clement’s Church Hall, 307 Kingston Road, Epsom KT19 0BW. New Year’s Eve is the exception (Kingston); Independence Day is in Epsom with our other festivals.
Do I need to be Mauritian to come?
No. Partners, friends, neighbours and anyone glad of the day are welcome. Children too.
How do I get to Epsom?
The hall sits on the A240 (Kingston Road) at the West Ewell / Epsom border. Epsom, Ewell West, Tolworth and Worcester Park stations are the usual approaches. Full travel notes are on the Epsom page.