As Hindus in Fiji commence with Ram Naumi today, the Ram Bharose Satsang Ramayan Mandali is reminding youths to stay away from drugs.
The President of the mandali, Indar Deo, says Ram Naumi celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who was born to rid the world of sins and whose experiences are written in the holy Ramayan.
He says during the nine day event, they will be reading teachings from the Ramayan, singing kirtans, and learning about how to carry on their culture.
He adds they are always advising children to take these teachings into account and apply them in their daily lives, emphasising that the various holy books do not mention the use of drugs.
He says their mandali is only one year old, with five members, but they try to carry out all the religious festivals in the Hindu calendar.
Deo says they have also organised awards for children as part of their programme this year, to encourage them to learn about religion.
The Ram Naumi for the Ram Bharose Satsang Ramayan Mandali is being held at one of their members' homes in Nausori, and they are inviting people to join them.
