Festival of Ram Naumi cancelled for the first time in Fiji due to COVID-19

Hindu’s for many years have been celebrating the festival of Ram Naumi together in their communities but for the first time, Fijians are not celebrating the 9 days on a grand scale due to COVID-19.

There is a ban on a gathering of more than 20 people which has resulted in the celebration of the festival to shift to a much smaller scale.

Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji President Sarju Prasad says this has not dampened the spirit of the festival as more people are now celebrating Ram Naumi in their homes.

Prasad is also urging Hindu’s to practice social distancing during the celebrations and also ensure that people do not share utensils such as cups, bilos or spoons and plates.

This is the year our sister Radio Station, Radio Sargam aired Ram Katha or Ramayan recitals for 8 nights which will culminate in a 2-hour special from 11am to conclude the festival.

Radio Navtarang and Sargam Content Director Satya Nand says people will get the opportunity to take part in the festivities from their own homes as people can not gather in crowds due to the danger of COVID-29.

The program has been sponsored by Ashabhai and Kelvin Realtors.

Source: World Health Organization