Fiji Girmit Day is an annual event that is celebrated in Fiji on May 14th. It is a day that commemorates the arrival of the first group of Indian indentured laborers, also known as girmitiyas, who were brought to Fiji by the British colonial government in 1879.
The term "girmit" is derived from the word "agreement" in Hindi and Urdu, which refers to the contract that the indentured laborers signed to work in Fiji for a period of five years. Many of these laborers were from the lower castes in India and were lured to Fiji with the promise of a better life and improved economic opportunities.
However, the reality of life for the girmitiyas in Fiji was far from what they had been promised. They were forced to work long hours in harsh conditions, with little pay and few rights. They were also subjected to physical and emotional abuse from their employers and often faced discrimination from the local population.
Despite these challenges, the girmitiyas were resilient and resourceful, and they formed tight-knit communities in Fiji. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and religion, which helped to shape the multicultural society that exists in Fiji today.
Fiji Girmit Day is a day to honor the sacrifices and contributions of the girmitiyas. It is a day to remember their struggles and hardships, as well as their resilience and perseverance. It is also a day to celebrate the rich diversity of culture and heritage that exists in Fiji, thanks to the contributions of the girmitiyas and their descendants.
On Fiji Girmit Day, events and celebrations are held throughout Fiji to commemorate the arrival of the girmitiyas. These include cultural performances, traditional Indian food, and speeches by community leaders and politicians.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize Fiji Girmit Day as a national holiday in Fiji. This would help to raise awareness of the girmitiyas and their contributions to Fijian society, as well as provide an opportunity for reflection and remembrance.
This day is also marked in most Fiji based organisation around the globe and people light diya to mark this event. Diyas were lit at Shri Sanatan Dharam Society of Victoria Temple on 11th May. Celebrations will take place at Hindu Satsang Mandal of Victoria Temple in Bayswater on 14th May 2024.
In conclusion, Fiji Girmit Day is an important event in the history of Fiji. It is a day to remember the sacrifices and contributions of the girmitiyas, and to celebrate the rich diversity of culture and heritage that exists in Fiji today. By honoring the legacy of the girmitiyas, we can continue to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all Fijians.
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