Former President Taukei Naisogolaca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, has been laid to rest at the Sau Tabu chiefly burial ground on Bau Island.
Mourners from across the country gathered for the historic ceremony, transforming the island into a sea of black and white to pay their final respects to the revered leader.
Traditional Burial Rites for Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces band played in harmony during the solemn proceedings. The body was laid to rest at Vatanitawake, the traditional resting place where the vanua pays its final respects.
Women from the various clans of Bau performed the bikabika ceremony, a deeply significant cultural expression of mourning and reverence, to honor Ratu Epeli during the final rites.
Radi Naua highlighted the symbolic importance of Bau, describing it as a unifying vanua with “doors open” to all provinces of Fiji, reflecting the late chief’s national stature and influence.
The bikabika ceremony will continue through the night until tomorrow morning as the vanua upholds tradition in honor of the late chief.
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