The community of Barara, Nadi was reminded to be mindful of their neighbours who might be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic when it comes to celebrating Diwali in the coming days.

Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Rosy Akbar officiated at the Barara Youth Social Club’s Diwali Mela Celebration at the Barara Kaliamman Temple, Nadi on Saturday night.

Ms Akbar said the pandemic had affected our nation and the world for the last eight to nine months and was still going, therefore it would be justified to continue to celebrate and share during the festival of light.

“This Diwali if you intend to celebrate, take a glimpse at your neighbours welfare, your respective families, hope no one is hungry. This will be a different Diwali compared to previous years as some have lost their work,” the Minister said.

Ms Akbar also highlighted that the festival of lights had been a much looking forward fiesta in the country for a couple of decades.

“It is important in Fiji because this festival is not only for the Hindu but for all those who have been part of Fiji, old, young, and different races,” she said.

She praised the social club for their charity work for the community.

Barara youth and social club president, Avinesh Singh said: “These events do bring the community very close. It cannot be possible without our sponsors including Digicel Fiji.”

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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