A 33-year-old woman of Makoi Hart says instead of giving her tithe which is 10% of her income to the church she will give it to her neighbour to help them celebrate Diwali.
Ashnita Devi says her neighbour who is the only breadwinner in her family was robbed recently.
She says her neighbour is a market vendor and had worked hard to save about $400 which got stolen from her home recently.
Devi says she will help her neighbour although her only source of income is social welfare and the support of her brothers and sisters.
As many families are still struggling due to the impacts of COVID-19, Fijians have planned to unite and help eachother celebrate Diwali today.
Brij Chand of Nakasi says her plan is to invite her neighbours and those who may not celebrate Diwali this year to be part of her happiness.
She says in this time of COVID-19, one must think about how they can come together and help eachother celebrate Diwali.
Sugra Habib of Makoi who won the $150 prize money in the Sargam Golden Harvest and Baking Range Diwali Sweets and Savouries competition says she will help her friends by giving sweets to them as most of them are struggling.
The 66-year-old says her message this Diwali is for people to help their needy neighbours and family.
We also spoke to some other people about how they will be celebrating Diwali this year.
People will be able to use fireworks from 5pm to midnight today.
As Fijians celebrate Diwali tomorrow, people are urging others to help those who have been impacted by COVID-19 and are in need, follow COVID-19 protocols, be responsible when using fireworks and pray for the well-being of the entire nation.
Fijivillage took to the busy streets of Suva City this afternoon and spoke to some people about how they will be celebrating Diwali this year.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Fiji is calling on people to ensure their pets feel safe tonight as they are more sensitive to loud noises like fireworks.
Clinic and Shelter Manager Shaneel Narayan says before fireworks start in the evening, you should take your pets for a long walk to tire them out and then give them a nice meal.
He says after your pets have their meal, you should make sure they are in a confined and comfortable area.
Narayan adds make sure your windows and doors are also secured so that your pets do not escape when the fireworks start.
Please do not target animals or use them as props for your fireworks.
People will be able to use fireworks from 5pm to midnight today.
Namaste 🙏🏽 #TeamFiji & a wonderful observance of #Diwali to you all. Please remember that to #furbabies, #fireworks are terrifying & cause panic. Pls call out cruel use of animals as props. Some tips from Shaneel on ways we can help minimise our pets’ fear & anxiety👇🏾 #bekind pic.twitter.com/uWJvsKdmFh
— SPCA Fiji Islands _ Official (@prevention_to) November 3, 2021
Anand Prakash Deo of Tuirara, Makoi says he is happy to be with his family this Diwali because he was bedridden for 30 days due to the COVID-19 virus.
Deo says he was lucky to be alive as some families are still facing difficulties losing their loved ones due to the virus.
He believes the Festival of Lights will bring light to many people who have faced hardship during this period.
The COVID-19 survivor says this Diwali will be a very special one for him and his family, as they celebrate and enjoy their time together with their family members and celebrate it in a bigger way.
He says this is a time for all the people in Fiji to come together and hold hands in tackling every challenge in our community.
He urges every Fijian to be safe and enjoy celebrating this Diwali.
Residents of Yalava Tabia in Labasa are making their final Diwali preparations today.
Daya Prasad says women are preparing sweets, decorating their houses with balloons and making rangoli.
He says some people are going to the temple.
Prasad says some are also colouring stones so that their compounds look attractive.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
