The Indian High commission Fiji, in conjunction with Fiji Girmit council and Sanatan Dharam have organized Ramayana Sammelan throughout Fiji at various destinations. All programs were live on the High commission and Fiji Girmit Centre page on Facebook.

11TH TO 13TH MARCH -Shiu Mnadir samabula- 36 Mandalis 3days

8th- 10TH March -Caubati, Nasinu 25 mandalis 3 days

6-7TH MARCH -Shiu Mandir Navua- 13 mandalis 2days

3- 5TH March -Seqaseqa Cutural Centre – 54 Mandalis 3days

29th –    31ST  January - Labasa Civic Centre- 30 MANDALIS

28th -30th November – 21 Mandalis Lautoka Sanatan Nagar

Ramayan, the Hindu holy book, has been one of the main sources of religious and cultural heritage in Fiji since the arrival of the first indentured labourers here.

Ramayan had also played a significant role in the preservation of the Hindi language in Fiji. “Today, around 2000 Ramayan mandalis operating around the country where regular recitals of the Ramayana happen - the largest number outside India. Ramayana is the Hindu historical religious text which describes and accounts the story and journey of lord Rama’s life.

To promote and acknowledge the Ramayan Mandalis who have contributed immensely to the preservation of the cultural and religious heritage in Fiji, the India Fiji Friendship Forum (IFFF) organised a Ramayan Sammelan. The event ends today.

At the Seaqaqa Cultural Centre outside Labasa Town, a similar event was held.  Mandalis including women and children participated in the Sammelan in Labasa while 36 mandalis participated in Suva. The Sammelan was supported by the Indian High Commission. Sanjay Kumar, Attaché Political, Publicity and Culture, who was the chief guest in Seaqaqa, said: “We are also celebrating 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations with Fiji. Also, 100 years ago in 1921, the Girmit - Indentured Labour was abolished.  Ramayan was life to Hindu faith followers in Fiji. We feel good that we are preaching the Ramayan in Fiji and teaching social and religious values to younger generations from the book. India and Fiji had a good relationship through their culture. Altogether there were more than 7000 partipants and audience during this Sammelan throughout Fiji.

I am proud that we have so many groups where all the mandalis can come together.