As Fiji gears up to celebrate Diwali, the cherished sweet shop Vallabh Bhai and Co. PTE Limited, located in Nausori, embodies the spirit of tradition with a legacy dating back to the 1950s. Renowned for its handmade sweets and snacks, this establishment has played a pivotal role in family celebrations for generations.
Owner Arun Kumar highlights the shop’s unwavering commitment to quality, despite facing challenges such as natural disasters and rising costs of ingredients. Vallabh Bhai and Co. is preparing traditional sweets daily, scaling up to meet the increased demand that accompanies the Diwali festivities.
In light of financial pressures affecting many families, Kumar has adapted the shop’s offerings by providing individual items instead of bulk packages. He remarked, “Things are very expensive. Sometimes people cannot afford it. We sell each. We don’t give kg, but sometimes we give in each,” indicating that popular treats like peanuts and various snacks have become particularly sought after during these times.
The resilience demonstrated by Vallabh Bhai and Co. symbolizes a broader sentiment of family and unity that Diwali seeks to celebrate, reflecting a deep-rooted cultural significance shared across Fiji’s diverse communities. Community leaders have also encouraged kindness, urging shoppers to be mindful of those facing economic hardships during the festive season.
As the Festival of Lights approaches, families across Fiji prepare to illuminate their homes with diyas and indulge in delectable sweets, capturing the essence of Diwali—a celebration filled with hopes for unity, prosperity, and a brighter future. The dedication of businesses like Vallabh Bhai and Co. not only preserves culinary traditions but also strengthens community ties, making this year’s Diwali a particularly poignant occasion for many Fijians.