Fifty-six years ago, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was ceremoniously installed as Tui Nayau, a title carrying profound spiritual and political significance for the Lau Group of Fiji. This historical moment will be honored next month when his son, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, also known as Roko Ului, assumes the same esteemed title.
The Fiji Times will commemorate this succession by featuring historical photographs and reflections from the 1969 installation ceremony. The report by the late journalist Stan Ritova, which vividly captures the atmosphere, will accompany these recollections, portraying a dramatic intersection of enduring tradition and contemporary leadership.
The 1969 ceremony showcased Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s humility as he ascended the installation grounds on foot, mirroring the footsteps of his father. Clad in traditional attire with the sacred masi and accompanied by significant figures from his life, the event symbolized both reverence for ancestry and the strength of new leadership. The villagers played a pivotal role, participating in the ceremonial rites, which reinforced community ties and heralded the beginning of Ratu Sir Kamisese’s leadership era.
As Ratu Tevita prepares for his installation, it is expected that many traditions from his father’s ceremony will be upheld, including the use of the same sacred masi and the participation of Nayau villagers, which reflect the enduring legacy of their family. This succession marks not merely the continuation of a title but the embodiment of cultural continuity and community spirit that have defined the Lau Group’s history.
The upcoming installation is a significant milestone for Fiji, embodying the hope and aspirations of the Lau community as they navigate the future under Roko Ului’s leadership. The Fiji Times will present a special feature titled “The Return of the Tui Nayau: From Ratu Sir Kamisese to Roko Ului,” inviting readers to reflect on the rich tapestry of their history through rare archival images and personal accounts.
In a world increasingly shaped by modern influences, such traditions serve as a reminder of the strength found in heritage and unity, suggesting a hopeful future as Fiji witnesses this historic transition in leadership.
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