The sacrifices and commitment of the Girmitiyas has been acknowledged during the annual fire walking prayer at the Sri Raja Maha Mariamman Temple in Howell Road, Samabula.
While speaking before the ceremony yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says religion, language and traditions that we are following today are because of the Girmitiyas hard work, sacrifice and far-sightedness.
He says the ceremony is about devotion, faith, respect and sacrifices towards one's culture and religion.
He says the day also reminds us of our purpose in life.
The Deputy Prime Minister says the government encourages freedom of religion, culture and language.
More than 100 Hindu devotees participated in the sacred ritual.
The devotees from the age of about 15 years to elderly men fasted for over a month and stayed at the temple for a week towards the end of their fast.
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