Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji national president Sarju Prasad has confirmed that Hindus around the country will be celebrating Holi this week on Thursday.

He clarified this after some people claimed that Hindus would not be celebrating Holi around the country because of the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

“We are not stopping people from celebrating Holi but remember people affected by the cyclone in your prayers.

“Some families will not be celebrating Holi because of the death of their loved ones but we have not restricted people from celebrating Holi,” he said.

Mr Prasad said he had given permission to Sanatan schools in Fiji to celebrate Holi.

“People have difficulties in their lives but it shouldn’t stop the Holi celebrations,” he said.

“During the festival we can pray for our country’s development and people’s wellbeing.”

Mr Prasad said people could prepare food, share and also celebrate Holi with people who were affected by the cyclone.

Holi also known as the festival of colours and it signifies the victory of good over evil.

The national president has advised Hindus to perform holika dahan ceremony at 4am or 5am on March 24 because of the eclipse. Hindus are not allowed to perform holika dahan before 9pm on March 23.

Edited by : Manasa Kalouniviti

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