Author:
Publication: Fiji Times
Date: October 29, 2004
URL: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=10751
The hours allowed for the use of
firecrackers on Diwali will cause discomfort to devotees, the Fiji Retailers
Association says.
The Mineral Resources Department
has designated firecrackers to be shot between 5pm and 10pm on Diwali,
the Hindu Festival of Lights.
But the association said some Hindus
lit firecrackers before they started their prayers and this could happen
at anytime of the day.
"Some believe it is a good omen
to light firecrackers before prayers. People have different prayer times
on Diwali day," association president Himmat Lodhia said.
He said the law would be restricted
to those who decided to pray during the day and light fireworks.
The department has warned anyone
found using fireworks outside the allotted times would be in violation
of the Explosives Act, attracting fines up to $800 or up to two years in
jail.
The manufacture and sale of fireworks
in Fiji is in violation of the Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree
1992.
Breach of this legislation can lead
to fines from $5000 to $25,000.
The department has urged retailers
to follow all conditions on the sale of firecrackers and for parents and
teachers to advise children on the proper and prescribed use of fireworks
and the risks associated with it.
"The public at large is advised
to understand and carefully note that fireworks have no religious connection
to any festival.
"Please be wary of the nuisance
created by indiscriminate use of fireworks," Commerce Ministry chief executive
Isireli Koyamaibole said.
Mr Lodhia said except for the allocated
hours of using fireworks, they did not have any problems with the conditions
outlined by the department.
