Destination Fiji

Published in New Global Indian magazine – April 2008 Issue – © Manali

Fiji Islands, infamous for its pleasant unwinding atmosphere, vivacious milieu and gracious nature of its inhabitants is world’s eminent and preferred holiday destination. The country with so much spark and energy has a lot common with India with regards to historical, cultural and ethincal ties. Also, not to ignore the flourishing trade destination, Figi surely promises a lot more…  Discovers Manali H. Shah.

Peek-a-boo in the past

Located in the heart of South Pacific, Figi Islands is one of the worlds most favorite resort destination, catering to the every travelers need. Especially Indians, as Indians have an enduring knots and elderly historical, ethnic and cultural ties with Fiji. Although the first inhabitants of the island arrived long before the European explorers in the seventeenth century, pottery excavated from Fijian towns shows that the island was settled before or around 1000 BC. It was not until the nineteenth century that the Europeans settled the islands permanently.

The islands came under British control as a colony in 1874, and the British brought over Indian on contract basis as labourers. Granted independence in 1970, democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987 because the government was perceived as dominated by the Indo-Fijian i.e. the Indian community.

The second 1987 coup saw the British monarchy and the Governor General being replaced by a non-executive President. Thus the country changed the long form of its name from Dominion of Fiji to Republic of Fiji, which was later on changed to Republic of the Fiji Islands in 1997. This revolution contributed to heavy Indian emigration.

Culture No Boundaries

Fiji’s mixed racial background contributes to a rich cultural heritage. Culture wise, there are a lot of similarities in Indian and Fiji’s customs. It is a rich mosaic of indigenous vibrant and old traditions of Indian, Chinese and European civilization. Like Indians, Fijians are also known for their friendly modest nature and amicable attitude towards an outsider. Fijian culture is very rich in traditional beliefs and many aspects of their life today remain the same as they were a hundred years ago.

Fijian and the South Pacific culture go hand in hand with regards to many aspects like the traditions, language, food, costume, belief system, architecture, arts, craft, music, dance and sports., making the native culture is very dynamic and full of life. English is widely spoken language there, but one will of course hear the local language. Since it is a multi-cultural country, don’t be surprised if you happen to hear Hindi as well. The most common Fijian word you hear will be Bula (pronounced as “Boo-lah”) This is the Fijian way of saying ‘Hello’.

Like in traditional Indian villages, even Fijians live within a strict hierarchical system with the village chiefs receiving the respect of all. Land there is sub-leased mostly to Indian sugar cane farmers, industries and tourist resorts under the discretion of the village elders and the money used for village improvements, schools and social functions like weddings and funerals. Fund raising is an important part of the communal lifestyle.

Some famous things about Figi include a native drink called Yaqona, which is the traditional drink that serves as a ceremonial and social mediator between parties. In traditional dance, ‘The Meke’ is a very popular show performed on special occasions in the villages or town parks. The dances can involve both powerful actions and more graceful movements. Mekes tell the stories of ancient legends and in particular the victories in war. Similar to Indian preference towards arts and different dance forms such as Kucchipudi, Bharatnatayam et al, even Figians are quite fascinated toward various dance forms.  This display of “traditional” Fijian culture, music, and dancing make an important contribution to tourism.

Another common trait between India and Figians is that even today most Indian women in Figi continue to wear the sari together with traditional jewelry in gold and silver. Traditional marriage ceremonies are practiced, as are customs such as fire walking and ritual self-torture as part of important religious ceremonies. Cinemas showing imported Indian films are popular. Traditional Indian festivals are still acknowledged and celebrated there. Popular festival Diwali, the Hindu Festival of the Lights, is celebrated every October and is a public holiday in Figi even today.

Ethnically Eminent

The population of Fiji is mostly made up of native Fijians, who are of both Melanesians, and Polynesian ancestry. There is substantial population of Indians in the island too, who are called Indo-Fijians, descendants of Indian contract labourers brought to the islands by the British in the nineteenth century.

The percentage of the population of Indian descent has declined significantly over the last two decades due to migration for various reasons. Though lately the relationship between ethnic Fijians and Indo-Fijians at a political level have often been strained, because of this the tension between the two communities has dominated politics in the islands for the past generation. But over all, there are also good indications of racial harmony with the recognition of cultural and religious holidays by all races in Fiji.

Indian culture, which is marked by a high degree of syncretism and cultural pluralism, has still been able to associate ties with Figi on the grounds of the previous established traditions, while also absorbing modern customs, traditions, and ideas from invaders and immigrants.

As a consequence, India’s history, traditional ethnic custom and civilization arrangements are still highly prominent in Figi even today.

Destination Fiji

Fiji has always been famous for being the ultimate tourist attraction and as a romantic destination, where one can relax on the beach by day and later enjoy cocktails pondering over a stunning tropical sunset. Tourist from neighbouring countries like Austrialia, new Zealand and a lot of Europeans visit the island very often. Since, Figi has a lot of Indian inhabitants too, one may find Indian tourist often as well. What makes Fiji spectacular is the dive sights, that amongst the best in the world, with soft corals, incredible sea life, walls, drifts and shipwrecks to explore. Sailors and surfers alike rave about the waters and friendly local environment.

There are hills to climb for stunning views, waterfalls to cool off in, several National Parks with trails, nature reserves for bird watching and walking, rafting trips down rivers and village visits to experience the very traditional Fijian way of life. There are lively markets to visit, Fijian ceremonies to participate in and colourful Hindu festivals to see. What’s more, the Fijian people are extremely warm and hospitable and are excellent with kids, making it a great family destination explore one of the most peaceful areas of the world, Fiji is an all-round excellent destination for a vacation.

Flourishing Wings

Although popular for tour and tourism, Fiji is more than a booming tourist destination. It is a growing economy, uniquely positioning itself as a communications and supply hub to the Pacific region, as well as a producer of manufactured goods and commodities. There are ample of business opportunities one may find in the small island. From small scale local handicraft industries to information technology and communication hub, it has it all. From real gold to ‘green gold’, the range of goods and services, Fiji has always added value to its exports.