The gesture (or mudra) or namaste is a simple act made by bringing together both palms of the hands before the heart and lightly bowing the head. In the simplest of terms it is accepted as a humble greeting straight from the heart and reciprocated accordingly.
Namaste is the formal greeting in Hindi while Raam Raam is informal, and is mostly used in rural areas.
In general, the qualities traditionally most admired in women of Indian background are modesty, shyness. Girls do not wear shorts in public. The dot on the forehead of a woman is used for decoration. "Sindoor in Mang" (a red powder lined down a woman's hair) indicates she is married. Men usually do not speak to ladies unless they are well acquainted, nor do they ask to be introduced to women. When visiting a traditional home, men should not expect or ask to meet the women of the house. They will appear when and if it is proper for them to do so. Any public display of affection between sexes is likely to be frowned in Fiji amongst the Indian people. An Indian woman in a village will stay in her home sewing clothes and looking after her children or may go out to work on the farm accompanying their husbands.
In Fiji, when a man marries he does not set up a home of his own immediately. He brings his wife to the paternal roof, where the families of brothers and cousins live together side by side, under the ruler of the father as the head, who receives the earnings of all.
Important Hindi festivals include Holi, a festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of light.
Approximately 45% of Fiji's population are Indo-Fijians, many of them descendants of indentured laborers who were brought to Fiji from India between 1879 - 1916. The main religions are Hinduism and Islam, which follow the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed and the holy book, the Koran. Hindus believe in reincarnation and that the consequence of all past deeds will be faced, therefore the importance of a good moral life.
The Hindus respect for the cow stems from the belief that a soul may be contained in any living Creature. That is why we must look upon all with an eye of equality, and not show violence to any creature.
Joe and I are going to an Indian wedding in two weeks.....I am wearing my first sari.....I will take lots of pictures.
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