The 550th birth anniversary of Shree Guru Nanak Dev Ji is an opportunity for the Sikh community in Fiji to promote their beliefs, but also reach out to other religions.

Head priest of Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Suva Preetam Singh said: “We are organising this event to bring Fiji’s minority Sikh population into the limelight, make them feel their religious and cultural existence in Fiji.”

He said Sikhs were often mistaken to be from the Muslim faith. But this does not only happen in Fiji, but is a world-wide issue.

He also said in some countries Sikhs live in fear because of Islamophobia.

“This is what we want to prevent as we celebrate with not only the Sikhs, but with Christians, Muslims and Hindus as well,” he said.

This 550th celebrations take place from November 10 to November 17, at the Samabula Sikh Temple in Suva.

The event aims to revive Sikhism and remove Sikhs from isolation. There are 1500 Sikhs in Fiji.

Head priest Singh said Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a messenger of love and peace, transcending borders and race.

Head priest of Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak
Committee Suva Preetam

The celebrations will include multi-faith universal peace building philosophies and teachings.

Also on the agenda are climate action activities.

The Indian High Commissioner of India Padmaja Ji will take part in the ‘Plant a Tree Ceremony’ where they have allocated a chunk of land to climate action gardens and trees to preserve greenery and to contribute to carbon footprint goals.

“Follow-up activities during the week will include climate action present at i o n s by young activists, movies screenings on nature, International Peace Walk, Nagar Kirtan, Cultural Night for Dance, Music and Arts; and Religious Ceremonies,” he said.

Head priest Singh said there were at least 80 per cent similarities in every different religious scripture, which was how inter-faith communities like Fiji-Muslim League and the Methodist Church of Fiji have shown support for next week’s event.

“There have been no obstacles communicating and coordinating with any organisation and we are ever so grateful to them,”

Feedback: shreeya.verma@fijisun.com.fj