Diwali is the festival of lights and we must bring out the goodness of light from with­in ourselves.

This was the message from La­basa and Savusavu Town Councils special administrator Vijay Chand to more than 1000 vendors at the La­basa Municipal Market on Monday.

“Vendors spend most of their time trading in the market and it is very important that they work in unity and as a family,” Mr Chand said.

“When I say family, it also means we should not forget those who once worked under this roof and are in heavenly place now.

Labasa Market Vendors Associa­tion secretary Mareta Tagivakatini said: “We have been commemorat­ing Diwali celebration since 2014 and we have been also celebrating other religious function including other national events.

“This year we gave away two prizes, best dressed male and best dressed female.”

The winners were Sher Ali (Mun­na) of Tuatua, Labasa. Munna has been a market vendor for 54 years and Salote Vesoka, a market atten­dant for a year originally from Vu­nivutu.

The duo said they wanted it to be a special celebration by wearing the traditional Indian costume to share the joy with those who would celebrate Diwali and show their re­spect.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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