THE festival of colours is here.
The Holi festival is celebrated by Hindus across the world and Fiji is no different.
Thousands of Hindus around the country will get together today to celebrate this annual festival.
Mandalis and cultural groups last night practiced the ritual of burning the ‘Holika’.
The story of Holika signifies the triumph of good over evil.
Holika is associated with the annual bonfire on the night before Holi.
Just like many others, members of the Tokotoko Ramayan Mandali in Navua took part in the event.
Mandali president Naresh Chandra said that during this time of the year, people would forget all enmities and come together to celebrate this festival as one.
“The good thing about us here in Fiji is that everyone celebrates this festival. The person may be of any other race or religion but we all come together during this time. This is the special thing about our country,” Mr Chandra said.
He said this year, members of his Mandali would have the Christchurch incident in mind during the celebrations.
“We have a lot of Fijians of Muslim descent living in our community. We have grown up together, we have never come across any disagreements regarding race. What happened in Christchurch was really unfortunate and we will remember them in our prayers today,” he added.
Today’s program will include singing ‘chautals’ and ‘faag’ songs from house to house and showering love to each other in the form of colours.
All Sanatan schools in the country have been closed for Holi celebrations today.
