5 December, 2025, 6:56 pm Central - 25°C Clouds

Migrating overseas did not stop Chandra and family from celebrating Diwali

Migrating overseas did not stop Chandra and family from celebrating Diwali

By Sheral Roshan
23/10/2024
[Image Supplied]

As we approach Diwali, an Indo-Fijian family living in Canada is missing the way they used to celebrate Diwali in Fiji.

Former Fiji resident Sharin Chandra, who now resides in Canada, says the Indo-Fijian families in the community come together on the day to celebrate the victory of good over evil by lighting up their homes with diyas and candles, which brighten their lives.

Chandra says while they don’t have the same opportunity to celebrate the festival as people do in Fiji, they still prepare sweets, decorate their homes, cook Indian food, perform puja and share happiness with their loved ones.

She says they also celebrate Diwali at a nearby Gurudwara with the Sikh community.

Chandra further says they don't get a public holiday for Diwali like in Fiji and are fortunate if they manage to get a day off.

She adds she is always excited about Diwali as this gives us the time to unite with family and friends, think about how can improve ourselves and spread the act of kindness.

FEATURE NEWS
Attorney General must work closely with the GCC on reform of native land laws - President
The principle of free, prior, informed consent or the requirement for effective consultations is crucial to the reform of our laws on native land and ...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Deaf respondents were among the most affected by online abuse during COVID-19 survey
Findings from the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation and the Disability Rights Fund survey show that during COVID-19, 24 percent of respondents ...
57 minutes ago

$140,000 renovation project of Empower Pacific Counselling Centre aims to provide improved services
A $140,000 renovation project, funded through a donation by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has seen the soft-launch of the Empower ...
1 hour ago

People's Fiji and Next Gen Alliance Party applications released for public objection
The Fijian Elections Office has confirmed the publication of applications from two proposed political parties. Speaking to the media, Supervisor ...
2 hours ago

Tourism Fiji strengthens its engagement with operators in Vanua Levu and Taveuni
A platform for open discussion on opportunities, constraints, and pathways to improve tourism outcomes in Vanua Levu and Taveuni was the main focus ...
3 hours ago

Vou makes history as first Fijians to headline major NZ Arts Festival
A proud moment for Fiji’s creative industry is on the horizon, as Vou Dance Company prepares to make history on two of New Zealand’s major arts ...
4 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Law Society Convention 2025
There is a constant struggle that we seem to have in Fiji with upholding and respecting the rule of law, and in my view, I think it starts at the ...
9 hours ago

Tribunal case of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr Nakarawa
Tribunal proceedings for suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr Nakarawa are underway, focusing on allegations of misbehaviour during his tenure as ...
9 hours ago

Inspire Pacific Founder Ben Morrison and Peer Mentor Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Pastor Ben Morrison and Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan as they discuss Inspire Pacific’s specialised ...
1 day ago

TOP