A centuries-old tradition on the chiefly island of Bau made way for a rare exception yesterday as the Ulu ni Vuaka, the sacred meeting house of chiefs was transformed into a formal dining hall with tables and chairs for the vakataraisulu ceremony honouring the late Turaga na Taukei Naisogolaca Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
The historic gesture welcomed chiefly guests from Lau and Bau during one of the ceremony’s most significant gatherings.
Traditionally, meetings held in the Ulu ni Vuaka required everyone to sit on mats spread across the floor, with the high chiefs occupying the head of the gathering.
However, yesterday, the Ulu ni Vuaka took on a different appearance after the women of Nasogolaca successfully sought permission to arrange tables and chairs for distinguished guests.
Arieta Kabukivuya, who helped prepare the venue, said such approval was granted only on exceptional occasions.
“The last time tables and chairs were set up in the Ulu ni Vuaka was in 2023 when Bau hosted the Bose Levu Vakaturaga,” she said.
“Now because of such a memorable occasion such as the vakataraisulu, we have been granted the exception.”
She said the women began work early in the morning to ensure the house was ready before guests arrived for lunch.
“It was an honour for us to prepare the house.
“We wanted everything to reflect the respect and dignity of the occasion.”
