The festival of lights, Diwali, is not as significant in many countries, but it has not lost its beauty, joy and auspiciousness for people of Fiji, says the Opposition Leader Mahendra Chaudhry.
"This is because Diwali has become an integral part of our culture and traditions and its religious significance far transcends the events that may have led to its creation in the first place," Mr Chaudhry said. The significance of Diwali for the Hindu community is embedded deep in ancient India.
Mr Chaudhry said for some people it was a joyous occasion to mark the return to Ayodhya of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile. To many others, however, it is a celebration to mark the end of harvest and prayers for continued prosperity in future.
"For the Hindu community in Fiji which is cut off from its ancestral roots, Diwali each year renews the teachings and values enshrined in the Ramayana and the life of Lord Rama."
Mr Chaudhry said despite the thousands of years of it being in existence, the festival had not lost its values in society.
"For us here in Fiji, teachings
of Ramayana are even more relevant on a day to day basis as the Holy Scriptures
help us to take a strong stand against iniquities and injustices in whatever
form they may appear," he said.