Girmit Day is an important commemorative event for the Fijian community, which is celebrated annually on May 14th in Fiji. It marks the arrival of the first indentured laborers from India to Fiji on May 14th, 1879, under the British colonial rule. These laborers, known as Girmitiyas, were brought to Fiji to work on sugarcane plantations and were subject to harsh living and working conditions.
On Girmit Day, the Fijian community remembers the sacrifices and struggles of their ancestors who endured the difficult journey from India to Fiji and the challenges they faced in a new land. The day is observed with various cultural performances, traditional food, and speeches from community leaders.
In 2023, for Western Division, Girmit Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13th at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji. This event will bring together members of the Fijian community from all over Fiji and provide an opportunity for them to connect and honor their shared history. It is an occasion for both celebration and reflection, as the community pays tribute to the Girmitiyas’ legacy and their contributions to Fiji’s culture and society.
WESTERN GIRMIT DAY REMEMBRANCE CELEBRATION
Saturday May 13, 2023 | Churchill Park, Lautoka
Program
| 8.00 – 8.20AM | Students assemble at Shirley Park |
| 8.20 – 8.50AM | Students march to Churchill park through town |
| 8.50 – 9.15AM | Registration of orators |
| 9.00 – 9:25AM | Morning tea |
| 9.25 – 9.30AM | Call to order by MC Raj Sharma |
| 9.30 – 9.40AM | Prayers (Hindu/Muslim/Christian) |
| 9.40 – 9.45AM | National anthem for Fiji and India |
| 9.45 – 9.55AM | Traditional welcome of chief guest/guest speaker |
| 9.55 – 10.05AM | Traditional welcome dance by GCC/ ITaukei Students |
| 10.05 – 10.10AM | Welcome address by FGC Board Member Uday Raju |
| 10.10 – 10.15AM | Introduction of chief guest |
| 10.15 – 10.25AM | Address by chief guest |
| 10.25 – 10.30AM | Introduction of Guest Speaker |
| 10.35 – 10.40AM | Speech by Guest Speaker |
| 10.40 – 10.45AM | Introduction of judges for oratory |
| 10.45 – 11.45AM | Secondary school oratory competition |
| 12.10 – 12.25PM | Presentation of awards to Senior citizens/Cake cutting |
| 12.25 – 12.35PM | Girmit song by GCC teachers/Students |
| 12.35 – 1.00PM | Drama by Ba Multicultural Centre |
| 1.00 – 1.05PM | Group dance by GCC Bharatanatyam students |
| 1.05 – 1.15PM | Girmit costume parade by Ba Multicultural Centre |
| 1.15 – 1.45PM | Drama by Lautoka Central College |
| 1.45 – 2.15PM | Live interview with elderly citizens and ITaukei farmers |
| 2.15 – 2.40PM | Short video on girmit |
| 2.40 – 2.45PM | Vote of thanks by |
| 2.45 – 3.15PM | Lunch |
| 3.15 – 3.30PM | Tour of Girmit Exhibition |
| 3.30PM | End of program |
