Family Symbolises Diwali Unity, Diversity
For more than a decade, Tevita Ravavai and his family celebrated Diwali like any other family to symbolise their unity and diversity.
Mr Ravavai is a vendor at the Nausori Municipal Market and has been married to Nileshni Dutt for 10 years.
“I am a Christian, and my wife is Hindu and we want to show the public that we are one,” the 51-year-old said.
“We have put our religious differences aside and our family comes together to celebrate this joyous festival.
“I love spending Diwali with my family.”
Ms Dutt, 39, said she had adjusted Diwali celebration and given it a multi-racial meaning.
“My husband is an iTaukei and I feel very happy celebrating this with my husband and with our two daughters,” she said.
“Although it was a bit challenging at first.”
The family live in Vuci Road, Nausori.
During Nausori market’s Diwali celebration, the Minister for Local Government, Housing, Community, Infrastructure and Transport, Parveen Bala, said the ‘Festival of Light’ was celebrating the diversity of the people.
“Diwali is symbolic of the teachings of all religions, all education systems and the teachings of our parents,” Mr Bala said.
He congratulated and applauded the vendors for their contribution to the towns and cities and to the nation. The Nausori Municipal Market caters for 1650 vendors.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
