Diwali is always better when the sweets and savories are shared with friends and family.

Those were the words shared by a market vendor Kamni Devi who assisted Angie Prasad to decorate the stall at the Namaka market yesterday.

She said like other market vendors nationwide who take up such theme with modest, Namaka market is no different.

Ms Devi added that Diwali is the victory of light/good over darkness/evil. 

“It marks the occasion when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his brother Lakshmana and wife Sita after 14 years of exile after defeating Ravana,” she said.

“This was the day the people of Ayodhya lit diyas (lamps) all around the city to welcome them. This also marks the new year in the Hindu calendar.”

Ms Prasad who is a bubbling face of the market said, every year she makes sure that such theme is portrayed at her stall.

 “Culturally, it is also the day we celebrate by lighting our houses and making sweets. Also having a prayer ceremony dedicated to goddess laxmi to bless the new financial year,” the Tavua native said.

She went on to remind everyone that Diwali is a festival that teaches us to look out for each other and see beyond gender, race, religion, age, abilities and status and to do what is right.

“It teaches us to unite as one people in these trying times and overcome the devil with goodness.”

Namaka Market Vendor Association president Mariana Divikoca shared similar sentiments.

She wished all Fijians around the country a prosperous, safe and happy Diwali.

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