If you’re looking for a truly unique cultural experience, Fiji is the place to be this October and November.
The country is set to celebrate in spectacular style during the annual Indian Diwali Festival of Lights, 19 October-12 November 2012, at RB Patel Jetpoint Martintar, Nadi. A highlight of the Festival will be the ornate light and candle decorations that look spectacular at nightfall, beautiful Indian sweets and snacks and homes that are opened to family and friends for a time of rejoicing in inner light.
Fiji has a strong Indian community which comprises approximately 38 per cent of the entire Fijian population and since their arrival in 1879; the Indian community has kept alive the spirit of their homeland with festivals and traditions such as this.
Visitors to Fiji will be in for a real treat with highlights of the Festival including agricultural shows, entertainment, shopping and amusement rides on Friday 09 November from 6.30pm and from 7pm on Saturday 10 November. Saturday’s activities on the 10 November also include a “National Hindi Oratory Competition” from 10am-2pm and a multi-cultural night.
Sunday 11 November will include TISI Sangam Performances/Nadi Nari Sabha from 10am-2pm, followed by an agriculture show, entertainment, shopping and amusement rides from 2pm-4pm and then Sanatan Dharam Indian Night from 7pm.
The final night of the festival is sure to be a show-stopper and will include a brilliant closing ceremony, fireworks display and live band from 7-11.30pm.
Diwali is the festival of the attainment of nirvana by Mahariva, one of the great heroes of the Indian culture, back in 537BC.
Celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus and Jains, the festival is celebrated over a five day period according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.
Each day features a celebration of one of the principal stories associated with the festival which tell a story of the triumph of various Indian figures over demons and the revelation of a new leader for the kingdom.
On the fifth day of the festival family members are invited to celebrate in homes as the legend also tells.