Diwali in Fiji

Diwali, “the Festival of Lights” is celebrated with much fanfare and gaiety in the country of Fiji. A significant number of Hindus residing in this country celebrate the festival with traditional good will and rituals.

Such is the euphoria over Diwali celebrations in Fiji that even the non-Hindu population participate in fun and celebrations related to the festival of Diwali. The excitement for Diwali Festival in Fiji is heightened further due to the fact that Diwali is celebrated as the public holiday in Fiji.

Just as in India, people of Fiji celebrate Diwali with elaborate lighting and candle decorations. Taking advantage of the beautiful festival people reaffirm the bonds of love shared with loved ones by exchanging greetings, sweets and gifts of love. Besides, Diwali gives an opportunity to people of different faith and communities to come together and live in a spirit of communal harmony.

In Fiji, several schools also organize Diwali celebrations to let children understand the social, cultural and religious significance of Diwali Festival. In several schools Diwali celebrations are marked by organizing singing, essay writing, quiz, rangoli making and Diwali Greeting Card designing competitions besides hosting talks in Hindi, English and Fijian languages. Traditional Diwali Lakshami Pooja is also organized in several schools. Such activities go a long way in enhancing the social and cultural development of the community in Fiji's multi racial, multi lingual and multi cultural society.

With Inputs from Mr Satya Nand Sharma, Fiji