Yesterday, Hindus celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which reminded us of the importance of acquiring divine knowledge that led to the inner transformation of our hearts. Darkness represents ignorance. Light represents knowledge that dispels darkness. Thus, there is a need to transform hate into love and care, greed into generosity and sharing, selflessness into selfless service, and arrogance into humility. Hindus look forward to Diwali with much eagerness and enthusiasm. The message of Diwali (unity and hope) is a lifelong philosophy as it transforms individuals, societies and our beloved nation.
The return of Lord Rama
FOR Hindus, historically, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to his Kingdom in Ayodhya after killing Ravana who embodied lust, anger, greed, illusion and pride.
When Lord Rama and his entourage returned to Ayodhya, the residents welcomed them with opened arms and lit the entire kingdom with diyas. Lord Rama’s life has valuable lessons.
At one instruction of his father, King Dasharatha, Lord Rama went into exile for 14 years, accompanied by his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana. Lord Rama was the rightful heir to the throne of Ayodhya, but due to a promise made by his father, King Dasharatha, he was sent into exile.
King Ravana kidnapped Sita, and Lord Rama and Lakshmana formed an alliance with Lord Hanuman and an army of monkeys to defeat Ravana.
The return to Ayodhya marked the end of their 14-year exile.
The overjoyed people of Ayodhya united to light diyas to illuminate the night and guide them home.
The need to inculcate values
Diwali is the triumph of good over evil. Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and his return symbolise the eternal victory of light over darkness, truth over falsehood, and good over evil.
The light signifies the removal of unwanted habits and inculcating good values like humility, compassion, selflessness, charity, cleanliness, purity, truthfulness and love. We must cultivate these values and apply them in our lives.
Doing the basics in life is essential. These include waking up early, looking after our heath, fostering love, speaking the truth, respecting our elders, parents, and girls and women, praying for everyone, practicing good ethics and working hard.
Our leaders must foster the principles of reconciliation and unity and work together to build a better and united Fiji. We should not only speak with kindness, but act with integrity, uplifting the poor, needy and underprivileged.
Diwali is a celebration of teamwork, hence the need to share love, spread light, and put humanity first in everything that we do. There is a need to embody light.
Diwali unites Fijians
Fijians must become the ‘bearers of light’ in their homes and communities.
We must boldly work towards a future where all Fijians thrive together in the full light of dignity, equality and faith. On Diwali, the biggest victory and joy is seeing Fijians coming together to share whatever little there is.
In schools, at workplaces and in offices, majority get carried away in the spirit of Diwali as they dress in the traditional Indian wear.
The iTaukei ladies and gents plus those from the other multiracial groups look beautiful in their Diwali outfits.
I witnessed them buying their Diwali outfits and firecrackers. Diwali symbolises the destruction of negative forces and envisages the spirit of sharing, caring, and loving. To my fellow Fijians, let’s unite.
Lights and earthen diya
As we celebrate Diwali tomorrow, Hindus will express their joy by lighting lights and earthen diya, decorating their houses, bursting firecrackers, and inviting loved ones to their households to share savouries.
Diwali symbolises the destruction of negative forces like lust, wickedness, violence, anger, envy, greed, bigotry, fear, injustice, oppression, and suffering.
The spirit of sharing, caring, and loving must prevail. Just like the bright colours, which add meaning to Diwali, let’s enrich our lives with brightness and love and make Diwali meaningful.
The feeling of love, peace, and happiness should brighten our hearts. Diwali is not only the festival of lights, but of joy, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom. A physical lamp is just a symbol, but we represent the real lamp. Thus, we must be lit up, vibrant, joyful, and full of energy.
Diwali, back then
On Diwali, memories of yesteryears come alight as I vividly remember the excitement with which I celebrated Diwali in Savusavu as a child with the simplest of things. We did not have the luxuries that kids these days have, but we were content with whatever our parents could afford. Back then lights were cheap.
Firecrackers were cheap and affordable, and we shared them with our iTaukei and Muslim friends. Diwali united the small town in the Hidden Paradise as families got together, putting aside differences.
One Fiji, one light
The Diwali Shanti Dut Souvenir issue is always looked forward to, and I must commend Salesh Kumar and his hardworking team for getting the 2026 Diwali Shanti Dut Souvenir issue. A timely message, ‘One Fiji, One Light’, was reflected on the front page, portraying a colourful and multiracial Fiji that reminds readers of the adage, ‘Fiji, the way the world should be’. Our diversity is our greatest strength. This reminder featured prominently in the messages that were shared. Readers were also encouraged to overcome hatred with love, prejudice with understanding and division with unity.
As we go through the Constitution Amendment Bill, leaders must reflect on these messages. It is important that we carry the light beyond our doorsteps. Thank you, Salesh Kumar and The Fiji Times, for the Souvenir issue, one worth the read!
Treasured memories
September 24, 2025, will be hard to forget as I lost my wife, Madhusani Krishna, married to me happily for the past 18 years. Madhu, as she was known, was a staff nurse and Suva’s CWM Hospital.
She graduated with a diploma in nursing and worked hard to complete her bachelor’s degree.
She pursued studies in postgraduate midwifery and graduated as a midwife. Having served at CWM Hospital for about three years, she was diagnosed with chronic kidney infection and was put on dialysis in 2022. She battled it for three years and fought her last battle on September 24, after which she took her last breath and bid her loved one’s goodbye.
My daughter, Mahika Lingam, a year five student at Rishikul Primary School, and I were shocked. Our dream of celebrating Diwali as a family was shattered in the blink of an eye.
My daughter and I lost a sweet, loving and caring mother and wife, and we feel the pain created by the vacuum left behind.
In 2020, I lost my mother, Pushpa Wati Lingam, a retired schoolteacher. She was the pillar of strength of the Lingam family, leading by example and getting things sorted out.
Both are missed by loved ones and residents of Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, who united to have a pre-Diwali celebration on Thursday night with Ramayan recital.
The message was simple- unite, love and help each other and be good citizens of our beloved Fiji. As I conclude, I wish everyone a blessed, joyful and meaningful Diwali!
n RAJNESH LINGAM is a regular contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed in this article are his.
Members of Balgovind Rd, Nadawa Satsang Ramayan Mandali during the pre-Diwali celebrations on Thursday night. Picture:SUPPLIED
1. Treasured memories … Diwali collection with mum Pushpa Wati Lingam.
3. Members of Balgovind Rd Nadawa Satsang Ramayan Mandali in their Diwali attire. Pictures: SUPPLIED
