Diwali celebrations took place in true Fijian style today at the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons complex at Brown Street in Suva as people living with disabilities who are from different ethnic backgrounds dressed up in traditional Indian attire and took part in a number of events.
Members of the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons participated in competitions for best-dressed male and female, best office decoration and best Rangoli design.
Fijian Paralympic athlete, Merewalesi Roden who competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in table tennis was also part of this celebration and says Diwali is a time to spend quality time with families and friends.
Rodan who is a member of the Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji says most of them stayed up last night decorating and sorting out their attires.
She adds to have such an event at the disability center is something that she will always remember.
Events Committee Chair, Rajnel Prasad says this is the first time the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons is celebrating Diwali and they want to be included and accepted in the society.
Asinate Tinai who is the member of the Fiji Association of the Deaf was declared the best dressed female. Tinai says for her Diwali is a time for love and acceptance.
Eloni Qaqa won the Best Dressed Male.
The National Centre for People with Disabilities reception team won the best Rangoli Design, while the Best decorated office was awarded to Spinal Injury Association.
