pn590. Diwali and the Opposition National Federation Party

NFP's Lenora Qereqeretabua, Biman Prasad, Pio Tikoduadua

The National Federation Party’s Parliamentary Caucus says the statements made about Diwali by religious and political leaders were not well thought out and they are glad that they have both been withdrawn.

Professor Biman Prasad, Pio Tikoduadua and Lenora Qereqeretabua say the comments about Diwali shows how much we must still deepen our understanding about how we live together and share our religious commemorations with one another. (Read more by clicking on the link above.)

pn591. What is Diwali and who are its celebrants?

Diyas

Diwali is a five-day celebration that falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It's observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2020, Diwali is this Saturday November 14. The public holiday in Fiji is on Monday.

For Hindus, Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of lights, symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance". The festival is widely associated with Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity and wealth, and with other deities in different parts of India.