Religious or cultural beliefs and differences are no barriers when it comes to Diwali.

This rings true for Shayal Prasad, who married into a Muslim family. Converted from Hinduism to Islam, she is now known as Nadia Abdul.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun yesterday, Ms Abdul said Diwali was not only celebrated by Hindus but other groups take part in the ‘Festival of Lights’ by sharing sweets and wearing traditional Diwali attire.

“I was a Hindu believer before marriage, but my love for promoting Diwali did not fade away,” she said.

“I have support from both my in-laws and my parents in Lautoka, who encourage me to carry on with the mehndi and sweet making business.”

Nadia is skilled in mehndi making and catering for sweets during the festive season for at least eight years now.

“My mother-in-law and my husband’s sister help me out while taking orders and making sweets and all,” she said.

“I have posted on my Facebook account about my Diwali sweets catering and mehndi making.

“I take orders here in the Central Division while my mother takes orders from the West.”

Through her business, Ms Abdul remains in contact with her Hindu friends. In return, they invite her to their respective homes as a token of their appreciation for the services she provided them.

“Mehndi is something I love to do for years and it gives an overall glamour look during the festive season,” she said.

Diwali will be celebrated on October 28.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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