Skip the grog, secure the temple: Minister tells devotees

Hindu devotees are being urged to rethink their spending priorities and invest in temple security instead of prolonged kava sessions, as attacks on Hindu places of worship continue across Fiji.

Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture and Heritage Charan Jeath Singh made the call while condemning recent acts of religious sacrilege, including theft and desecration at temples.

He said protecting temples must take precedence, particularly as incidents targeting Hindu religious sites increase.

“During puja sessions, people struggle to stay focused for one hour, yet some can sit and drink kava for more than four hours,” Mr Singh said.

He said extended kava sessions often cost close to $100 — funds that could be redirected towards installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at temples.

Singh said temples were being advised to strengthen their own security measures, with CCTV systems seen as a practical way to deter criminal activity and help identify suspects.

“With these attacks increasing, every temple must take responsibility for its own safety,” he said.

When asked about additional measures such as cashless donation systems, Singh said the decision rested with individual temple committees and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“Not every temple can go cashless because some devotees still prefer to donate in cash,” he said.

“We want our temples to be safe and free from abuse by thieves.”

Mr Singh clarified that he was not opposed to kava consumption, but said temple security should come first.

He said sound financial management was critical to ensure timely security upgrades and reduce the risk of theft.

“I urge the Hindu community to be cautious and to seriously consider installing CCTV cameras to prevent losses,” he said.

He also called for unity among all races and religions, saying greater religious tolerance and shared responsibility were key to stopping acts of sacrilege.

He said values of love, respect and compassion must be upheld in every household to protect Fiji’s multicultural harmony.