Today is the last day of the national celebration for Girmit Day at Subrail Park in Labasa.
A town whose very foundations were laid by the blood, sweat, and dreams of the Girmityas.
The Labasa Town Council’s chair Paul Jaduram believes the three days celebration held in Labasa was fitting.
“This town was built by our people,” he said.
Mr Jaduram is a descendant of one of Labasa’s pioneering Girmityas, Jagannath.
Jagannath and his young bride Bechauni, had just arrived aboard the Leonidas in the late 1800s.
From cutting cane in the blistering sun, Jagannath saved enough money to buy land from the Tui Labasa and started a store where the Hotel Takia now stands today.
“He built what would become a business empire in a time when locals weren’t even allowed in certain stores.”
With his brother Nanhu, also a Girmitiya, Jagannath started Jagannath, Nanhu and Company in the 1930s.
Their first store was based near the spot where the North Winds Hotel stands today.
They later built the Majestic Theatre and several other shops, including a jetty at the back of their property to bring goods from Suva.
“My grandfather’s house was where RB Patel is now. We even supplied electricity to the post office in Vaturekuka.”
Mr Paul’s father, Seth, later took over and expanded the company.
By the 1960s, it became Jagannath, Nanhu and Jaduram Limited.
“Labasa grew around us.
“From sugar fields to a thriving town, this celebration is a tribute to those who started with nothing and built everything.”
He said Labasa Town withstands time which evokes the idea of a place that endures across generations — resilient to the effects of change, decay, and modernity..
Ashneel Aman Singh during the Girmit Day celebrations march along Suva in 2023.
Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Members of the Dakshina India Andhra Sangam of Fiji during the Girmit Day celebrations march along Victoria Parade to Albert Park in Suva on Monday, May 15, 2023. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Crowd out in numbers to witness the Girmit Day celebrations march along Victoria Parade to Albert Park in Suva on Monday, May 15, 2023. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Entertainers dance to the beat of the music during the Girmit Day celebrations march along Victoria Pde to Albert Park in Suva on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
