The rare and sacred Duki ceremony on the chiefly island of Bau is governed by centuries-old customs that demand strict spiritual discipline and respect, with Turaga na Masau na Taukei ni Vanua, Louis Patrick Toganivalu, revealing the sacred protocols that have guided the ceremony through generations.
Toganivalu says the Duki, which was performed on Thursday last week, is a rare, centuries-old iTaukei ceremony unique to the chiefly island of Bau that marks the formal lifting of the qoliqoli tabu (fishing restrictions), signalling the beginning of the end of a chief's 100-day mourning period, known as the Bogidrau.
He says before the ceremony begins, a traditional Vono is held to brief everyone involved on the sacred customs, explain what is expected of participants and outline what is strictly forbidden during the ceremony.
According to Toganivalu, the Vono also assigns hereditary roles to specific villages and traditional groups that have carried out these responsibilities for generations.
He says a woman traditionally leads the Duki, while traditional "police" are appointed to oversee the ceremony both on land and at sea, ensuring every protocol is observed until the ceremony is completed.
Toganivalu says the Duki is only performed when the sea is calm, the tide is low and at a specific traditional time determined by customary protocol.
He says the ceremony is reserved exclusively for members of Bau's chiefly bloodline who are buried at the Sau Tabu and follows the Liga Tabu Tribe opening the traditional passage to the sea after the burial of a chief, as was done following the funeral of the late former President and Tui Vuda, Na Gone Turaga Nai Taukei Naisogolaca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
Toganivalu says those taking part in the ceremony must approach it with a good heart, free from hatred, anger or negative feelings, while both men and women involved must be clean in thought and deed.
He says strict silence is observed throughout the ceremony, with no boats allowed to move in the surrounding waters and no photographs or videos permitted.
He adds that traditional police on land monitor spectators while those at sea oversee the ceremony on the water to ensure all customary rules are followed.
According to Toganivalu, the Turaga Bale na Vunivalu has the final authority on all matters relating to the Duki, including deciding whether a member of the chiefly family will be accorded the sacred ceremony following their passing.
Toganivalu says the last Duki before last week's ceremony was held in 2016 following the passing of the late Roko Tui Bau and former Vice President of Fiji, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi.
He also highlighted how public access to the ceremony has changed over time.
He says when Ratu Sir George Cakobau passed away in 1989, the Duki was conducted under strict traditional protocols and no members of the public were permitted to witness the ceremony.
However, he says when the Duki was performed for Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi in 2016, members of the public were allowed to observe the sacred ceremony.
Toganivalu says the Vakataraisulu ceremony was held on Saturday, following the completion of the Duki.
He says Vakataraisulu is a significant traditional thanksgiving ceremony that confirms the successful completion of the Duki and marks the conclusion of the mourning period.
He says the ceremony brings together members of the community for prayers, thanksgiving and a traditional feast, while reaffirming their enduring connection with the deceased and honouring their journey to the afterlife.
Toganivalu adds that responsibilities are shared among different families and traditional groups, reinforcing unity, preserving cultural traditions and ensuring the customs of Bau are passed on to future generations.
