Traditional rites conclude 100 days of mourning for Ratu Epeli

The island of Bau on Saturday concluded 100 days of mourning for former President and Taukei Naisogolaca Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, with centuries-old traditional ceremonies honouring the legacy of a chief and statesman whose influence reached far beyond the vanua.

Traditional leaders, family members and invited guests gathered on Bau Island for the vakataraisulu, marking the end of the mourning period through customary rites observed in accordance with the traditions of Bau.

Speaking on behalf of the Mataqali Tui Kaba, Apenisa Seniloli expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who travelled to Bau, as well as supporters from across Fiji and overseas, whose prayers and assistance sustained the family throughout the mourning period.

He said the successful completion of the vakataraisulu reflected months of careful planning and the collective commitment of the vanua.

"The successful completion of the vakataraisulu reflected the enduring strength of Fijian customs, unity among the vanua, and the deep respect accorded to traditional leadership," Mr Seniloli said.

"The occasion would be remembered not only as the conclusion of a period of mourning, but also as a celebration of cultural heritage, kinship and the continued observance of the traditions that define the people of Bau."

The traditional observances began on Thursday with the duki and culminated on Saturday with the final vakataraisulu ceremonies.

The duki is a customary ceremony held 100 nights after the death of a chief. It signifies the lifting of the qoliqoli tabu (ban on fishing grounds), when women enter the fishing grounds with traditional nets to catch fish.

As part of Saturday's luva i sulu ceremonies, Adi Litia Mara Nailatikau, the only daughter of Ratu Epeli, was adorned in traditional Fijian and Tongan attire before proceeding to Mataiwelagi, where members of the household of the Turaga Vunivalu na Tui Kaba awaited her arrival to perform the customary protocols.

Following the ceremony at Mataiwelagi, Adi Litia Mara Dugdale, representing her sister and the widow of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Adi Koila Nailatikau, was dressed in traditional attire before proceeding to Naicobocobo, the residence of the Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua, where the luva i sulu ceremony continued.

The ceremonies concluded on the island green, where the Mataqali Tui Kaba reciprocated the Naisogolaca household with traditional presentations, formally marking the end of the 100-night mourning period.

Mr Seniloli said the occasion demonstrated the enduring bonds of kinship and the importance of preserving Fijian customs for future generations.