Devotees Mark Religious Events
Religious organisations around the country have started celebrating their auspicious festivals this week. A year ago, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Government announced a ban on major events and gatherings of 20 or more people.
This year, people can gather and celebrate at their place of worship.
Ram Navami
Yesterday, Hindus around the country began their nine-day Ram Navami celebrations to mark the birth of Lord Ram Rama.
Pandit Vijendra Mishra of Shiv Mandir in Samabula said he was happy to celebrate Ram Navami at the temple once again.
Pundit Mishra said he was expecting a large number of people to attend and be part of the celebrations.
“I am thankful to the people of Fiji for following the COVID-19 rules that was implemented by the Fijian Government last year and because of that we are able to celebrate Ram Navami at the temple,” he said.
He added they will follow curfew rules strictly.
Devotee Shalwyn Prasad said last year the pandemic restricted people from coming together to celebrate but, this year he is looking forward to celebrating with other people at the temple.
Ramadan
For Ramadan, a shed has been built beside Samabula Jame Masjid to maintain social distancing during prayers.
This year the mosque will be accommodating women who will use the upper room of the mosque to perform their Taraweeh prayer and Iftar, while downstairs is dedicated to men.
Samabula Masjid’s, Maulana Abdul Alim said last year they were unable to celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr on a large scale but, this year it will be joyous.
“By the grace of Allah, everyone followed the pandemic rules last year. The mosques were closed, and people worshiped at their homes,” he said.
“This year everything is going back to normal, but still we will practise social distancing and follow
all the rules implemented by the Fijian Government.”
Maulana Alim has welcomed everyone to the Mosque and requested them to participate in activities organised during this month of Ramadan.
Vaisakhi
In another festival, Sikhs around the country will be celebrating Vaisakhi (also pronounced as Baisakhi)
today.
The event marks the formation of Khalsa Panth under the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Samabula Sikh Temple’s head priest Sandeep Singh said this set of religion is based on moral values like passion, courage to fight cruelty, helping the needy, universal brotherhood and equality. He said that similarly to Sikhs, it has been a difficult year for most people around the world.
Mr Singh said: “This time people are excited to spend time at the gurdwara. It’s a rebirth of happiness,” he said.
He said if people are unable to visit any gurdwara or place of worship, they can spend time with their family members.