The Hindu celebration known as Holi or the Festival of Colours is being toned down this week in Fiji out of respect for victims of the mosque killings in Christchurch.
Pictures of Christchurch mosques attack victims sits above flowers at a memorial site near the Al Noor mosque. Photo: AFP or licensors
Public celebrations have been cancelled and Hindus are instead being encouraged to mark the festival in their communities.
One of the leaders of the Hindu community Sanju Prasad is calling on Hindus to engage in less merry-making and more prayers.
He said they wanted to share the grief of their Muslim brothers and sisters.
"Rituals will continue, the normal routine must continue but at the same time we are very mindful of what has happened in our very neighbouring country New Zealand which is very very close to our heart and our Muslim people are part and parcel of us all."
Sanju Prasad said while he condemned the attacks, they had brought communities, races and religions together in Fiji.
"In fact it has served to consolidate our relationship with each other and our feelings towards each other. More commitment towards love and harmony," Mr Prasad said.
