Thousands of Fijians of Indian descent will celebrate Diwali tonight, the Festival of Lights, which carries a message of hope, unity and the triumph of good over evil.

But Diwali is more than a celebration of lights; it is a reminder that people from different cultures and faiths can live together, respect one another and strengthen national unity.

This was the message from Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Sumeet Mehta during the National Diwali celebration at the Fiji Museum yesterday, where he highlighted the festival’s growing significance beyond the Indian community.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also called on Fijians to ensure cultural and religious diversity remained a source of strength rather than division.

Rabuka said Diwali reflected Fiji’s shared identity, shaped in part by generations of Indo-Fijians who had contributed to the country’s development.

He acknowledged the hardships and injustices experienced by Indian indentured labourers who arrived in Fiji in 1879, saying their courage and resilience allowed them to preserve their faith, languages, customs and traditions for future generations.

He said their descendants had made significant contributions to agriculture, commerce, education, public service and national development.

Under this year’s theme, Festival of Lights – Strengthening Unity Through Diversity, Rabuka urged Fijians to reject discrimination, prejudice, religious intolerance and hatred, while remaining vigilant against misinformation and divisive messages that undermine trust.

He said national unity must go beyond celebrations and public declarations and be reflected in how people treat one another and respond to differences within their communities.

Rabuka also reminded Fijians that the true spirit of Diwali was not measured by decorations or the scale of celebrations, but by the kindness, compassion and opportunities extended to others, particularly those facing hardship, loneliness and uncertainty.

Mehta echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, saying Fiji’s greatest strength lay in its ability to celebrate different cultures, languages, faiths and traditions while embracing a common national identity.

He said Diwali was no longer confined to one community or faith in Fiji, but had become a national celebration embraced by people from different backgrounds.

Mehta also acknowledged the government’s efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of all communities, saying diversity, when nurtured through mutual respect, could strengthen national unity.