Indians arrived in Reunion (a French island) in the mid-19th century from Gujarat state in the north-west of India. Arriving there via Mauritius or Madagascar, they ran small businesses for a long time. Since the departmentalisation of Reunion in 1946, they have been completely French, and they have remained very strongly attached to their island. Many Indian families were quite famous here for making jewellery by hand.
Hinduism, The main religious temple associated with Hinduism in the capital Saint Denis is the Kali Kampal Temple. Built in 1917, this temple has been expanded over time with other temples, and its bright, vibrant colours have always remained intact. Indian festivals are regularly celebrated here.
