Nepalese community in Fiji

Nepalese community in Fiji

Total population
10,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
Suva · Labasa
Languages
Fijian · English · Nepali · Fiji Hindi
Religion
Hinduism · Buddhism
Related ethnic groups
Nepali people · Indians in Fiji

There is a small Nepalese community in Fiji, scattered all over the two main Islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Migration history

The Nepalese community in Fiji are descendants of indentured labourers (known as Girmityas) brought in by the British colonial rulers of Fiji. These Nepali Girmityas came together with the Indian labourers from India under the indentured labour system.^[2] The Nepalis settled first in Suva, the capital of Fiji, and then moved around the island to Navua, another large town, and eventually to Kavanagasau, now home of the largest Nepalese community in the islands.

Situated in the "Sand dunes of Singatoka", Kavanagasau is the one place in Viti Levu with mist-shrouded hills and valleys, a landscape which appealed to the Nepalis for its similarity to the Himalayan foothills. Ironically, like much of the Nepalis´ home country, Kavanagasau is not favoured with large tracts of productive land. Here they lease farmland from the Native Fijians and grow sugarcane and vegetables for the market. Most children end their studies after getting a basic high school education and the majority follow in their parent´s footsteps as peasant farmers.

Culture

Far from their country of origin, the Fiji-born Nepalis hold on to their way of life. They celebrate Dasain with particular gusto. The Nepalis of Fiji tend to be clannish despite considerable intermarriage with women from the Indian community in the country. The fact is that there were no Nepalese women in the early days, only men came as laborers.

The Nepalese identity has nevertheless remained intact and traditional festivals continue to be observed. They have strictly segregated themselves from the native Fijians, feeling a greater kinship for their counterparts in the Indian population. Lately, particularly among third generation immigrants, the distinction between the Nepalis and Indians has begun to fade.

See also

• Hinduism in Fiji

References

1. ^ Himal South Asian - FOCUS ON KAVANAGASAU
2. ^ General Comment