Temple's revival sparks call for bigger multi-ethnic grants

For nearly four decades, the Santoshi Mata Mandir has been a place of prayer, reflection and community gathering in Labasa.

Built through the determination and generosity of devotees, the temple is now undergoing a new chapter of renewal — but its leaders say more support is needed to help preserve places of worship that serve communities across Fiji.

The temple's vice-president, Rajesh Prasad, is calling on the Government to increase funding for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts grant programme for community-based organisations in the 2026-2027 National Budget.

Mr Prasad said the programme was one of the few avenues available to religious organisations from all backgrounds seeking assistance for community projects.

He made the call during the groundbreaking ceremony for the temple's new prayer hall in Labasa on June 11.

“In 1987, devotees came together to raise funds to buy this block of land and two years later, built the temple to provide a place for people in Labasa to worship Santoshi Mata,” Mr Prasad said.

“Maintenance work continued until the COVID-19 pandemic and over time many members migrated overseas.”

Over the years, the temple building suffered extensive termite damage, affecting the structure where worshippers gathered regularly for prayers and religious activities.

Determined to restore the site, the temple committee recently raised donations and engaged a local contractor to construct a new 20-foot by 20-foot prayer hall.

Mr Prasad said the project is expected to cost about $50,000, with the facility also available for community events such as weddings.

“We hope to apply for the multi-ethnic grant because we need more funds to revive this place of worship,” he said.

Located beside Kshatriya Hall in Labasa, the temple remains open to anyone wishing to offer prayers.

For committee members and devotees, the new prayer hall represents more than a building project — it is an effort to preserve a place of faith and community for future generations.