There is a holiday named Diwali they celebrate almost all week, but especially
Nov. 10-11. I am attaching the legend they celebrate. It’s a great story.

They say Diwali is a combination of a little Halloween and a lot Christmas. The people here from India dress beautifully with lots of bling. Everyone is celebrating and happy. The children go around with bags and get homemade treats. They give gifts and decorate with lights. 

Tuesday, Nov 10, when we went to the old folk’s home to play games, it was all decorated. The floor and tables were covered with big bags full of gifts and treats. Someone had generously donated a very large flat screen TV to replace the small box TV they watched. This was their most prized gift. They were excited!

Wednesday, Nov 11, we went out and visited with the Elders. The Naidu family had treats. We visited and played with them for a while. Asha Lata is a counselor in the Relief Society, but has been acting as President since Sister Rakuita has had heart problems. The Naidus will be moving to Suva Dec. 6. The branch will miss them sorely. They have a niece Angie Naidu who is an investigator. She will be moving with them. The Elders challenged her to be baptized before she goes. She hasn't given them an answer yet. Next we went to celebrate with the Chetty’s. They gave us ice boxes, treats, and then dinner. Shivani decorated the front yard with lit candles a had a few fireworks. Mong Yen helped prepare them for her to set off. She also ran around her yard, twirling sparklers in perfect circles with both hands, dodging candles as she went. Her eyes were all aglow. When we came home after dark, people in the whole city and surrounding areas were setting off fireworks, not just in one park, but all around the city in various places and in their own yards, some at the same time, some staggered. They were beautiful. They started at dark and were still going strong when we went to sleep after 11 PM. It was fun to be part of this great tradition.

The city gives a prize for the most beautifully decorated house.  
This is our favorite right next door to the Labasa Chapel.

Across the street from Chettys

Mong Yen and I helped Shivani light her candles
which she spread around her front yard to decorate.

The Elder's Flat decorated by the owner who lives downstairs.

Fireworks caught this palm tree on fire. The owners were squirting it with a water hose to put it out.