By ASHTOSH SINGH
The National Diwali Festival Committee has planned to organize its first ever Festival of lights for three days at Albert Park in Suva from Thursday, October 31 to Saturday, November 2 and for the fourth consecutive year in Nadi from Friday, November 1 to Saturday, November 2 with the theme: “Diwali Symbol of Unity, Victory, Light and Joy”.
This year’s first ever Diwali Mela, in Suva is said to be the second largest event in Suva after the mother of all festivals in Fiji; ‘The Hibiscus’; the event is also said to be having the biggest entrance to be erected at the Albert Park, which will be 25mtrs long and 40 feet high.
The other highlight of the Festival is said to be the ornate light and candle decorations that look spectacular at nightfall, beautiful Indian sweets and snacks and homes that are opened to family and friends for a time of rejoicing in inner light.
There will also be lot of participation from the public and Business houses, as competitions for Best Decorated Business House, Inter Secondary Dance & Talent Show, Rangoli Competition, Business House Five-A Side Soccer, Fun Run, Volleyball, Snooker, Oratory, Meke Competition has been organized together with the celebrations.
The event organizers say “Visitors to Fiji will be in for a real treat with highlights of the Festival, while the festival intends to create an environment of joy and togetherness”.
The entire event will be promoted in an aspect whereby all cultures and ethnic groups will actively participate as artists in daily entertainment programmes. This will help attract audiences from various ethnic groups and cultures; thus bringing members of the community together.
The two day event would include agricultural shows, entertainment, shopping and amusement rides on Thursday, November 31 from 6.30pm.
While on the following day from 7pm on Saturday, November 2: Ram Leela Group From India, Masti Group Dance, Desi Beats, Suva Cultural Centre, Western Music Association, Sauia Entertainment from Nadi, Good Boys Ochestra Island Dance Group will light up stage for the people of Suva and lastly people will also be in for a treat as the grand firework display for 20 Minutes is also said to be a showstopper for the night.
The first ever Diwali Mela in Nadi was initiated by Attoney General, Aiyaz Saiyad Khaiyum in 2010 of which the event has been very fruitful since then.
Meanwhile, Buses will be organized to bring in locals from the countryside and drop them home safely every night together with tour operators to bring in tourists from all the hotels in Pacific Habour, Deuba and Around Suva Area every night to the festive event.