Fiji is offering a cultural experience as it is set to celebrate the annual Indian Diwali Festival of Lights from 19 October  to 12 November this year at RB Patel Jetpoint Martintar in Nadi.
A highlight of the Festival will be the ornate light and candle decorations, Indian sweets and snacks and homes that are open to family and friends for a time of rejoicing.
Nearly 38% of Fiji population is of Indian descent. Since the first Indians arrived in Fiji in 1879, the Indian community has kept alive the spirit of their homeland with festivals and traditions.
The festival will put up agricultural shows, entertainment, shopping and amusement rides on Friday 9 November from 6.30pm and from 7pm on Saturday 10 November.
On Sunday 11 November, visitors can enjoy TISI Sangam Performances/Nadi Nari Sabha from 10am – 2pm, followed by an agriculture show and amusement rides, and then Sanatan Dharam Indian Night.
The final night of the festival will include a brilliant closing ceremony, fireworks display and live band from 7pm to 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 deities over demons and the revelation of a new leader for the kingdom.
(Image courtesy: Pacific Destinationz)
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