Jeyanthi Varath: “Watching the fireworks along the coast is always special”

For Jeyanthi Varath, originally from Malaysia, spending the New Year away from familiar surroundings is not entirely new—but it still carries emotional undertones. “Spending New Year in Mauritius while being far from family and familiar traditions in Malaysia is not the first time but it still can bring a gentle mix of emotions. There’s often a sense of missing home, Malaysia New Year atmosphere, the food, the warmth of being around people who’ve known you your whole life. Even small things, like familiar sounds or late-night chats with family, can feel more noticeable when they’re absent.”

What lingers most are not necessarily the grand festivities, but the understated moments that once made the transition into a new year feel complete. “It’s often not the big celebrations that are missed most but the small, ordinary moments… watching TV countdown shows, making New Year wishes with family, or even doing nothing special but doing it together.”

In Mauritius, however, the island’s natural beauty has opened new perspectives. “I did not realise that I can admire and appreciate nature until I visited Mauritius… Planning to watch the sunrise from mountain which offers breathtaking view, thinking about New Year reflections.” Rather than measuring the experience against home, Jeyanthi has chosen presence over comparison. “By taking a calm walk, turning the place, I am in into my moment rather than comparing it to home.”

Connection across borders remains central to the celebration. “We usually make time for calls or video chats to count down together, share updates, and exchange well wishes. I also try to keep certain shared traditions alive, whether it’s talking about the new clothes or reflecting on the year together. Even from a distance, those moments help me feel grounded and remind me that home is always close in spirit.”

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Welcoming the New Year on the island will be intentionally unhurried. “For me, welcoming the New Year in Mauritius is about being present. I am planning to start the day at the beach or with a relaxed dinner at a restaurant. Watching the fireworks along the coast is always special, but what I value most is the quiet time, sharing conversations, reflecting on the year, and starting the next one feeling grateful.”

Celebrating in summer has also reshaped the emotional tone of the occasion. “I’ve never realised that there’s also something special about how nature becomes part of a new year celebration. The warm breeze, salty air, and beautiful blue sky, double rainbow can make everything feel lighter, calm but alive. It’s the perfect mix of energy and peace like time slows down just enough for you to really enjoy the moment,” she states.

As a newcomer, Jeyanthi has observed how deeply family-oriented New Year celebrations are on the island. “Many people in Mauritius welcome the New Year near the ocean… accompanied with fireworks, Sega music, dancing, and lots of joy.” This year, coastal celebrations are firmly on the agenda. “We are planning to go to Grand Baie as this is a lively beach town known for its nightlife, beach parties, and fireworks during New Year. The energy there is contagious, with music and crowds celebrating right by the water and at the restaurants.”

The island’s climate and diversity have naturally shaped the celebratory energy. “Being near the ocean brings a sense of calm and clarity, while the multicultural mix adds layers of warmth, colour, and feels that you are not far away from home. The overall energy is relaxed yet meaningful, allowing me to celebrate in a way that feels authentic and present.”

Despite the new setting, familiar rituals remain anchors. “I still carry familiar traditions with me, especially those centered around food, reflection, and intention-setting. Preparing or sharing dishes that feel comforting helps me stay connected to home, even in a new place. I also take time to quietly reflect on the past year, writing down intentions and goals for the next one,” shares Jeyanthi. 

Cultural blending, she says, comes naturally. “I enjoy blending cultures because it allows celebrations to feel more open and personal rather than fixed or rigid. There’s something meaningful about allowing different cultures to coexist in one celebration. It mirrors my own journey of adapting while staying true to myself.”

New traditions are also emerging—intentionally slower and more mindful. “Starting the year with a quiet moment by the mountain, setting intentions rather than resolutions, and allowing space for meaningful conversations have become important to me. I’m learning to value slower beginnings instead of rushing into expectations. These new rituals feel grounding and aligned with the life I want to build here,” she utters. 

For Jeyanthi, beginning a new year in a new country is deeply symbolic. (“Every new country feels deeply symbolic of growth and transformation… It reminds me that growth often comes from embracing change rather than resisting it.”) Looking ahead, her aspirations are rooted in connection and balance. “My hopes for the coming year center around building meaningful connections and a sense of belonging. I want to continue learning from the culture, the people, and the rhythm of life here. Professionally, I hope to grow with purpose while maintaining balance and curiosity. Overall, my goal is to create a life that feels rooted, intentional, and fulfilling.”

As the island prepares to welcome another year, Mauritius has already imparted one lasting lesson. “Life here moves with a natural rhythm that encourages patience, mindfulness, and appreciation for simplicity. I’ve learned to find beauty in everyday moments rather than constantly chasing what’s next. As I step into the new year, that sense of balance is something I’m carrying forward with me.”