Diwali has a universal appeal which transcends all barriers.

Those are the words of Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama in his Diwali message to the nation.

As we prepare to celebrate Diwali tomorrow, Commodore Bainimarama said the true spirit of Diwali pursues peace and prosperity and both goes to those who genuinely seek it.

But he said peace and prosperity can only be achieved if people work together as one nation.

Bainimarama said Diwali is a significant part of Fiji's Calendar which displays the cultural and religious diversity that Fiji is known to the world for.

He said that Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness, of evil over good, happiness over sorrow and is without a doubt a moment when Fiji as a young determined nation comes together despite its religious background.

Bainimarama said that while Diwali celebrations were initially limited to the Hindu religion, other cultures have embraced this event now and this is testimony to the increasingly tolerant nature of the communities.

Bainimarama said that the government's vision to achieving total unity and harmony is reflected in the People's Charter for Change however he said the onus is on the people to become independent in their approach and to make right decisions based on mutual respect they have for each other.  

The Prime Minister is calling on the people of Fiji to let the festival of lights remind all of our shared history and common future.


Story by: Sneh Chaudhry