Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji wishes to put the record right that Holika Dahan is to take place after sunset today and Holi will be celebrated tomorrow.

National President of the Sabha, Sarju Prasad said Holi was a very important festival in the Hindu calendar and it was celebrated worldwide.

“In the western world, it is also known as the festival of colours,” Mr Prasad said.

He said Holi brought happiness in our lives and it was about celebrating the festival with families, friends, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.

“Here is Fiji, Holi has arrived by our Girmitiyas 143 years ago and we should be grateful to our ancestors who brought this festival to our country which is still been celebrated,” he said.

“Like any other festival in Sanatan, Holi is the celebration of victory of righteousness over evil, truth over falsehood and light over darkness.”

It gives you a message that no matter how strong the person is, our deeds and thoughts should be in harmony with God.”

Mr Prasad also said he did realise the challenges faced by people last years due to COVID-19 and Holi was not celebrated in a big way.

“But I still call upon my friends and my people and all those who will be celebrating Holi, be mindful of the fact that demon is form of COVID-19 is still around with us.”

“Be mindful of that and please follow as much COVID-19 protocols as possible.”

Apart from the Holi celebration message, Mr Prasad highlighted about the concern by teachers regarding school closure for today.

“I have been approached by many Sanatanis including a number of School teachers inquiring as to why Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji has not sought permission for closure of Sanatan Faith – based Schools to allow our children to celebrate the Holi today,” he said.

“Therefore, there is no need for our students to take a break from school today as they can celebrate the festival and enjoy to the fullest tomorrow.”

He also said students had already missed out a lot of school hours due to the current outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and other diseases.

“As far as I am concerned our children cannot afford to lose any further school time especially when it is not necessary.”

“I therefore ask each and every Sanatani to bear with me and please allow as much academic time as possible for our students to be at school and not to look for excuses to close our schools, when it is not necessary.”

At this juncture, Mr Prasad reminded everyone that Ram Naumi will fall on Sunday, April 10 2022.

“I will issue separate letter in regards to it after consultation with the Executive Council Members,” he added.

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