“For over 30 years our members especially on Diwali day unite making sure to pray together as one family before returning to individual homes.”

Members of Batinikama Satsangh Mandali gathered outside Labasa Town to offer their devotion on Diwali Day.

Yesterday morning many Hindu devotees placed lotus flowers in front of the deity Lakshmi (goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity) for good omen and this group was not the only group.

Batinikama Satsangh Mandali president Manik Raj said their members gathered for an early morning prayer meeting to offer their devotion.

“For over 30 years our members especially on Diwali day unite making sure to pray together as one family before returning to their individual homes,” Mr Raj said.

“Diwali is the most important celebration in our calendar and we all look forward to receive blessings from goddess Lakshmi.

“We believe that on Diwali day she visit every devotees’ house to bless them.

“That is one of the reasons why a lot of time is spent cleaning the house and surroundings.

“This is our belief and it is followed by all Hindu devotees all over the world.”

Fiji Sun met up with a group of young girls dressed in special attire for Diwali celebration.

Nitika Nandani, 16 of Batinikama, Labasa said she was excited to celebrate Diwali.

“On Diwali day I get a chance to invite my friends home to have some sweets and play with fire crackers together,” the Year Ten student of Batinikama College said.

Three-year-old, Aastha Raj of Batinikama, Labasa while holding a diya (an oil lamp made up of flour with a cotton wick dipped in oil) said she enjoyed praying together with her parents.

“I like looking at colourful lights and Diwali is the only time my parents decorate home in a big way,” Aastha said.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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