Happy Diwali

from w,
Today is a holiday in Fiji for Diwali, so greetings to our friends in Fiji, especially in Labasa area for a day when light is celebrated in a beautiful way and the Hindu stories enlighten many people on their journey in life.

From the Fiji Sun:

‘Share the love

Second year nursing student at the TISI Sangam Institute show off their best Diwali attire in Labasa yesterday. Photo: LITIA BUKALIDIBy LITIA BUKALIDI





And from the Fiji Times today:

Staff treat

Luke Rawalai
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Labasa Town Council staff members and guests give a cheer during their Diwali celebration yesterday. Picture: LUKE RAWALAI

THE Labasa Town Council management yesterday treated staff members to lunch to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali.

Macuata provincial administrator Josefa Rokonai said all religious festivals had a message of love for all mankind in that they instilled in the society the message of wisdom, love and understanding.

"While Diwali is popularly known as the festival of lights, the most significant spiritual meaning is the awareness of the inner light and the removal of spiritual darkness.

"It reflects on the victory of good over evil giving every man a hope that good will always prevail over evil and light over darkness," he said.

Labasa and Savusavu town's special administrator Vijay Chand said everyone should focus on the great message of enlightenment and love that the celebration was associated with.

‘Share the love this Diwali’ was the message relayed to the people of Labasa yesterday. The staff and management of the Labasa Town Council hosted a Diwali lunch for business stakeholders and northern Government heads of department. Speaking at the event, provincial administrator Josefa Rokonai said Fiji was a multicultural society and it was important that people take part in religious festivals. Mr Rokonai said when people participate in such festivities, they could understand each other better. “This will help us develop a positive and caring attitude towards one another,” Mr Rokonai said. He also mentioned that the Festival of Lights signifies victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood, light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance and above all  love over hatred.
Labasa/Savusavu special administrator Vijay Chand also encouraged northerners to love each other and help one another in times of hardship during the festivities.