The sacred rock
THE FIJI TIMES
THERE was a sacred rock at Nagigi, on Vanua Levu, about 13 kilometres from Labasa, that kept growing and was one of the Northern Division’s best tourist attractions.
An article in The Fiji Times published on April 21, 1982, reported that spot was a must-stop for tourists and locals alike.
The granite figure was more than four metres high and about seven square metres at the base.
It looked as if someone was trying to carve the figure of a cobra out of the rock but had left the job half-completed.
But the most interesting thing about the “Naag Patthar” (Snake Rock) was that it kept growing.
Since the first Indian indentured labourers were taken to Vanua Levu ages ago, Indo-Fijians have been travelling to Nagigi to pray and give their offerings to the Naag Patthar.
Whatever is asked in true faith from the “Naag Baba”, was given, members of the Indian community living at Nagigi said.
Hindus, not only from Fiji, but also from Canada and other parts of the world travelled great distances to pray at the rock.
The “Naag Devata”(translated literally it means Snake God) is very significant in the Hindu religion as a protector.
Jag Prasad, 38, the president of the committee in charge of the temple (Naag Mandir) that has been built around the rock, said it had been there for as long as one could remember.
“No one knows for certain how it started but even the oldest people around here say that throughout their life they had seen people praying at it,” Mr Prasad said.
“The story probably goes back to the day when the first Indian immigrant was taken to what is now Nagigi and saw the Naag Patthar.”
FOLLOWING the success of the virtual Amazing Wheelbarrow Race last year, the Frank Hilton Organisation has made the event possible for the second year in a row.
In a statement, the organisation stated individuals could register themselves and their teams through the Amazing Wheelbarrow Race app available on App Store and Play Store.
“This virtual platform was initially made to counter COVID-19 induced limitations which hindered the organisations’ ability to conduct the physical race for two years,” the organisation said.
“After the successful outcome of the virtual race in 2021, we have once again made the app available this year for those who wish to participate but could not avail themselves physically.”
Funds raised from the event will go towards supporting five departments within the Frank Hilton Organisation. These are: audiology, speech therapy, physiotherapy, positive behaviour support and community support.
It will also be used to contribute towards the procurement of assistive devices such as paediatric wheelchairs and hearing aids.
The virtual race began on November 20 and will last for about eight days. Teams will be required to race their wheelbarrows around Viti Levu, an approximate distance of 480 kilometres.
Each team will be required to cover a target of 60km and a donation of $10 moves the virtual wheelbarrow 1km closer to the finish line.
In total, all teams will need to fundraise $4800 to finish the race around the island. Any team which collects more than $4800 will be classified as Bara Bucks and those with the most Bara Bucks wins the race.
About 20 teams have registered for the virtual race, including British Deputy High Commissioner Paul Welsh and Dr Chris Hair and his team from Epworth Hospital in Australia.
The Frank Hilton Organisation Bara Battle physical race was also completed successfully on November 19.