Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka believes Fiji must guard against forces that threaten national unity and create tensions among our multicultural communities.
In fact, that appears to be the message emerging from our political leaders as we enjoy the Diwali long weekend.
National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad said political differences must never be allowed to weaken the relationships that hold our communities together.
In his Diwali message, Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry encouraged Fijians to look beyond the barriers that divide us. He called on people to stand proud as Fijians, reject divisive politics and work together to remove obstacles to genuine national progress.
Mr Rabuka also warned against religious intolerance, discrimination and messages that encourage division.
Speaking at the 2026 National Diwali Celebrations in Suva yesterday, he said Fiji’s cultural and religious diversity was a national strength that should be protected and celebrated, rather than treated as a source of division.
He emphasised that our greatest strength was our ability to stand together. Religious intolerance, he said, had no place in a nation where people shared a common homeland and a collective responsibility for its future.
He expressed concern about misinformation and divisive messages, warning these could erode public trust, create uncertainty and generate unnecessary tensions among communities. Religious and community leaders, he said, had an important role to play in encouraging dialogue, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
National unity, he stressed, should go beyond public celebrations and be evident in the way Fijians treated one another in their everyday lives. Respecting differences, recognising our common humanity and working towards a shared national purpose were important.
Fijians understand the importance of Diwali to the Hindu community. We know this because we have grown up alongside the faithful, sharing in the traditions and celebrations that have become part of our national life.
There will always be people who highlight our differences in ethnicity and religion. That is a reality of life in Fiji. However, despite those differences, we remain a truly multiracial society. There may be barriers associated with ethnicity, gender and religion, but they have not stopped us from enjoying life together as Fijians.
We celebrate one another’s religious occasions in our own ways, appreciating their significance to our neighbours, friends and communities. Sometimes we may not understand this appreciation, but it is instinctive and remains one of the great stories about life in Fiji.
Diwali, among its many traditions, is about families coming together, observing customs and celebrating at home. Its message of light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil carries meaning well beyond the religious celebration. It is also about putting differences aside, embracing our communities and working towards a brighter future. It offers an opportunity for reflection, encouraging people to overcome negative emotions and embrace values that make us better human beings.
That message should resonate with every Fijian, regardless of faith or background. The triumph of good over evil speaks to something fundamental in all of us.
Perhaps this Diwali weekend is also an opportunity to learn more about the celebrations and appreciate what they mean to those who observe them. Ultimately, our diversity is a gift that we must never take for granted. Its preservation depends on tolerance, understanding and mutual respect. As we celebrate Diwali, let us look beyond our differences and recognise the value we bring to one another.
