The significance of celebration of Holi is of far greater importance to all the people of Fiji this year as we rebuild our lives and our nation as well as overcome social and economic deprivation after 16 years of unaccountable and bad governance presided over by a two-man rule.
That is the message from National Federation Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad as people celebrate the Hindu Festival of Colours today.
Professor Prasad, who is also the Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, says the “My Way or the Highway” style of leadership plus the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic seriously impacted the livelihood of all our citizens.
He says Holi this year is being celebrated in an environment of freedom and in conformity to all mythological, cultural, social and religious significance of this important Hindu religious festival, which is triumph of truth over evil. Professor Prasad says as Hindus throughout the country celebrate Holi, marked with victorious singing and showering a vibrancy of colours upon each other, the NFP Leader and Deputy Prime Minister says like Diwali, Holi teaches us an important message. He adds the triumph of good over evil, victory of truth and righteousness over injustice, and the upholding at all times of equality, dignity and social justice for all our people are the core principles of Holi.
The Deputy Prime Minister says Holi signifies the vanquishing of demons, despots, dictators and tyrants, that is symbolised by the burning of Holika.
He says despite her boon not to be destroyed in a fire, Holika was burnt to death while the young child she tried to burn alive, emerged unscathed because he had refused to succumb to tyranny.
He says just like other religious festivals of the Indo-Fijian community, Holi has been celebrated for more than 143 years since the arrival of Girmitiya in May 1879.
Professor Prasad says festivals like Holi promote good virtues and are an indelible part in the social and economic advancement of all our people as Fiji evolved into a genuinely multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation. He says the vibrancy of colours used during Holi celebrations is the true portrait of our nation under the Coalition government of the People’s Alliance, NFP and SODELPA.
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