THE chiefly island of Bau yesterday completed the traditional duki, one of the final customary obligations in honour of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, with elders choosing to preserve the ceremony in its original form despite calls for changes.
Held under overcast skies and intermittent rain, the ceremony drew the people of the Bau together in a display of unity as women entered the water to drive fish towards waiting nets held by young men.
Turaga Masau Louis Toganivalu served as the ovisa ni duki, overseeing the traditional protocols and ensuring the ceremony was conducted according to customary practice.
As required under tradition, no one was permitted to leave until the duki had concluded.
The ceremony was led by Adi Asenaca Qalirea.
The last duki was held in 2016 during the customary rites for the late Roko Tui Bau and former vice-president of Fiji, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi.
Speaking after the ceremony, Apenisa Seniloli of the Mataqali Tui Kaba said discussions had taken place over whether changes should be made to the duki, given the number of years since it was last performed.
However, he said it was ultimately agreed that the ceremony should be carried out according to ancient custom.
Mr Seniloli said the duki remained a powerful expression of the values of oneness and togetherness that have long defined the people of Bau.
Despite the wet weather, the community carried out the ceremony with determination, with women vigorously splashing the water to herd fish into the nets as part of the traditional practice.
Among those taking part was 26-year-old Sereana Vodovakatani of Lasakau Village, who participated in the duki for the first time.
She described it as a memorable experience that taught her the importance of teamwork and the value of fulfilling traditional obligations to the vanua.
The customary mourning rites for the late Turaga nai Taukei Naisogolaca will continue with the vakataraisulu ceremony, scheduled to begin at 10am tomorrow.
