Three good days for gold
Diwali in Fiji is more than one night. For many Fiji Indian families, the season holds three days that feel right for buying gold, and each one carries its own meaning.
Dhanteras: Friday 6 November (approximate)
Fijian Hindus mark Dhanteras as the first day of Diwali, and many families buy gold, silver or other items considered auspicious, as a sign of good fortune for the year ahead. Some buy a single piece every year. Others save for something bigger. Our Dhanteras and Diwali gold buying guide covers what to buy on the day in more detail.
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: Monday 9 November
Gold has long been linked with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, so a piece bought in the days around Lakshmi Puja often becomes part of the family's story. Monday 9 November is Fiji's Diwali public holiday. Panchang calculations for Nadi also put Lakshmi Puja on the Monday evening in Fiji, while in India it falls on Sunday 8 November. In recent years the Sanatan Sabha has sometimes announced the main day a day after India, so check its announcement or your temple for the confirmed date.
Labh Pancham: Saturday 14 November
Labh Pancham falls five days into the Gujarati new year, on the fifth day of the bright half of Kartik. It is also called Labh Panchami or Saubhagya Panchami.
What Labh Pancham means
Labh Pancham comes from the Gujarati tradition. "Labh" means benefit or profit, and "saubhagya" means good fortune. In Gujarat it is the first working day of the new year after the Diwali break. Many business families reopen their shops on this day and perform chopda pujan, a puja for the new account books. Traditionally "Shubh" and "Labh" are written on the first page, asking for a good and honest year ahead.
Because the day is about fresh starts and prosperity, many families also see it as a good time to begin something new: a business, a home, or a piece of gold that will stay in the family. Traditions differ from family to family, so follow what your elders and your temple advise.
For families who missed Dhanteras, or who prefer to wait until the festival rush is over, Labh Pancham is a welcome second chance. It falls on a Saturday this year, and our usual Saturday hours are 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Plan ahead
The week before Diwali is the busiest of the year for jewellery shopping. A few things make it easier:
- Come early. Visiting a week or two before Dhanteras gives you time to look without rushing. If your family prefers to buy on the day itself, choose your piece early and come back on Dhanteras.
- Call ahead. Call or Viber +679 806 4660 to check what we have before you drive into Nadi.
- Know your sizes. Bring a bangle or ring that already fits well. Our ring and bangle size guide explains how to measure.
- Check the stamp. Look for 916 on 22ct gold and 925 on sterling silver. Our guide to checking gold purity explains what to look for.
For families overseas
If you live in Australia, New Zealand, the USA or Canada, there are two common ways to keep the tradition going.
Sending a relative to shop for you
Many families ask a parent or cousin in Fiji to buy on their behalf. Send photos of the style you like, the size and the purity, and ask them to call us first so they know what's in stock. We sell in store only and don't ship, so plan how the piece will reach you. Often it travels with the next family member flying over.
Timing a trip home
If you're flying in for Diwali, try to land a few days before Dhanteras rather than the night before. If you arrive later, Labh Pancham on Saturday 14 November still gives you a good day to buy. Our guide for Fijians living overseas covers the practical side, including the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme, which is for non-Fiji passport holders only.
Visit us this Diwali
Festival and public holiday hours may differ from our usual hours, so check our Facebook page or contact us before you come in around the Diwali holiday. Bring a bangle or ring that already fits, and a photo of any piece you'd like to match.
Browse our 22ct gold for ideas, then come in and see the pieces in person. Wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous Diwali.