20 December, 2025, 7:56 pm Central - 23°C Clouds

450 people gather for New Year’s Pooja and substance abuse awareness in Nakasi

450 people gather for New Year’s Pooja and substance abuse awareness in Nakasi

By Monishka Pratap
01/01/2025
Source : supplied

Around 450 people gathered at the Gooal Sadhu Hanuman Gadhi Mandir in Nakasi to participate in the Vishwa Shanti Yaag, marking the beginning of the New Year with devotion and reflection.

The event, hosted by the Shree Santan Dharm Central Brahman Sabha of Fiji, also included an essential drug awareness session conducted by the Fiji Police, addressing the growing concern of substance abuse affecting the nation’s future.

Speaking to fijivillage News, Shree Sanatan Dharam Central Braham Sabha of Fiji committee member Pundit Shelvin Vishal Sharma says the gathering at the Hanuman Gadhi Mandir was more than just a celebration; it was a call for spiritual renewal and social responsibility.

Sharma says alongside the Vishwa Shanti Yaag, which filled the air with prayers for peace, the Fiji Police led an enlightening session on the dangers of drug abuse.

He says the new year is a chance to start fresh, a chance to let go of the past and embrace the future.

Pundit Sharma says that they feel as religious leaders it is also their responsibility to throw some light on the nation’s rising crisis, which is substance abuse, in order to protect future generations.

Pundit Sharma says the real high is a healthy life and devotion to our lords.

He adds the event was a powerful reminder that a spiritually enriched community must also be one that actively addresses the challenges that impact its future.

FEATURE NEWS
Ashok Transport issued Prohibition Notice and fined $1,500 for oil discharge into Vatuwaqa drain
Ashok Transport Pte Limited has been issued a Prohibition Notice and Remedial Orders under the Environment Management Act 2005, along with a penalty o...
5 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Japanese woman 'marries' ChatGPT AI character in symbolic ceremony
A woman in Japan has married an AI-generated character based on a video game persona, sparking debates about the intersection of human relationships ...
2 hours ago

About 93,000 tonnes of cane unharvested due to crushing capacity – FSC
About 93,000 tonnes of cane have been left unharvested, rather than the 140,000 tonnes as claimed by Opposition MP Viam Pillay.In a response to ...
4 hours ago

156 RFMF personnel return home from UN Mission in Iraq
Emotional scenes were witnessed at the Nadi International Airport last night as 156 Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel ...
4 hours ago

Vanua leaders urged to partner with tertiary institutions for better training
Kofera Trust Secretary Samuela Tuidraki is encouraging Vanua leaders to work closely with tertiary training institutes to ensure their villagers ...
4 hours ago

Climate relocation boost as NZ commits $5M to Fiji trust fund
The fight against climate change has received a major boost following the $5 million contribution from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of ...
5 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States has expressed serious concern about human trafficking indicators linked to the Grace Road Group in Fiji, as highlighted in the 2025 ...
2 days ago

Human trafficking allegations and issues relating to Grace Road Group
Human trafficking allegations and concerns linked to the Grace Road Group/+ARTICLE-311061+ARTICLE/PM says Govt cannot interfere into any human ...
2 days ago

Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
8 days ago

TOP