{"id":41769,"date":"2026-10-13T12:56:43","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T12:56:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/blog\/?p=41769"},"modified":"2026-10-13T12:58:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T12:58:17","slug":"diwali-durban-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/blog\/diwali-durban-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Diwali in Durban: A Guide to Events, Traditions and Gift Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"41769\" class=\"elementor elementor-41769\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6409c24 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6409c24\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-161e6a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"161e6a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW91587350 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91587350 BCX0\">Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, and in South Africa the festival of lights is most <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91587350 BCX0\">closely associated<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91587350 BCX0\"> with Durban, where community <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW91587350 BCX0\">organisations<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91587350 BCX0\"> run public festivals alongside temple services and family celebrations at home. This guide covers the 2026 dates, how to find the events happening around Diwali in Durban, what traditions usually look like in homes, and gift ideas that suit the occasion. If you live elsewhere in the country, there are pointers for you too.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW91587350 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-506b43f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"506b43f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-036ef3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"036ef3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>When is Diwali in 2026, and how long does it last? <\/strong>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc26a11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dc26a11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The main day of Diwali, when Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening, is Sunday 8 November 2026. Traditionally the festival spans five days. For South Africa, one panchang-based calendar lists Dhanteras on Friday 6 November, Govardhan Puja on Monday 9 November and Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November, the last two a day earlier than in India.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How long families celebrate varies. Some centre their celebrations on the main day, while others observe the full five days. Diwali is not one of South Africa\u2019s public holidays, so the days around it are ordinary working and school days.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e1f9b2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0e1f9b2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba7c203 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ba7c203\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>What events surround Diwali in Durban? <\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a32b05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4a32b05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The largest public event is the Durban Diwali Festival, organised by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS). In recent years it has been held at the Suncoast Parking Site, usually over a weekend in the weeks before Diwali: 3 to 5 November in 2023 and 10 to 12 October in 2025.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 2025 edition gives a sense of what to expect. It included performances by local artists, a fireworks display, an on-site temple, a Sundar Khand recital, a mass hawan ceremony, a Ram Bhajan festival, a lighting display themed on the Diwali story, children\u2019s activities, food and shopping stalls. Earlier editions also featured a float procession through the Durban city centre. Programmes change from year to year, so treat these as examples rather than a promise for 2026.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 2026 dates, venue and programme should be confirmed with the organiser before you plan around them. SAHMS publishes updates on its website and on its Facebook page, and temples and community associations usually announce their own Diwali programmes closer to the date.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01c7afe e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"01c7afe\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6818e86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6818e86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>What do Diwali celebrations look like in Durban homes? <\/strong>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5fe2e79 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5fe2e79\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At its heart, Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness and of good over evil. At home, families light lamps and string lights, and many perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening. The right time for the puja depends on local sunset, and a time published for India does not apply in South Africa, so ask your temple or check the calendar declared for South African Hindus.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Food is a large part of the day. South African Indian festive favourites that are often mentioned include samoosas, dhaltjies, breyani and sambals, alongside sweets shared with family and neighbours. Dishes vary by family and community.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03ea526 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"03ea526\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-585e581 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"585e581\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Diwali gift ideas that suit the occasion <\/strong>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-abe427e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"abe427e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These are editorial suggestions, not tradition rules. Choose what suits the household you are visiting, and ask if you are unsure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A box of sweets and savouries.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Homemade or bought, to share. Some households prefer vegetarian items, so it is worth asking.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Diyas, candle holders or string lights.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Practical gifts that fit the festival of lights.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A contribution to the gathering.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A platter, a dish or a dessert for a shared meal.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A handwritten card.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A short, warm message for a neighbour, colleague or friend.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5ce7fb e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a5ce7fb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc184f1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"dc184f1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18c1947 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"18c1947\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c05b7f6 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c05b7f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW26610848 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26610848 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">WHAT MAKES A FESTIVAL FEEL LIKE HOME TO YOU?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW26610848 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26610848 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\"> Share your views on festive traditions, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26610848 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\">gifting<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26610848 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Quote\"> and family celebrations with The Panel Station.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ed2a98 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6ed2a98\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1600522 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-align-right elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"1600522\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thepanelstation.com\/dashboard\/surveys\" id=\"Blog_Content_CTA_1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Participate in Survey<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c5e228 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2c5e228\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-514a4b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"514a4b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Celebrating safely and respectfully <\/strong>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e5b9a90 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e5b9a90\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fireworks are part of Diwali for many families, but the rules on where and when they may be used are set by local municipalities, so check your municipality\u2019s rules first.\u00a0 Animal welfare groups and pet owners have raised concerns about fireworks in past years, so keep pets indoors and settled.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At festivals and temples, follow the guidance of the organisers and the temple. Public festivals have been described by their director as drawing people from all walks of life, races, religions and cultures, which makes them an easy way for visitors to experience the occasion respectfully.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b164144 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b164144\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d5fcdb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7d5fcdb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong> If you live outside Durban <\/strong>\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7f6032 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a7f6032\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW260997460 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260997460 BCX0\">Public Diwali festivals have also been held elsewhere in South Africa, including a Gauteng Diwali Festival in Johannesburg <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW260997460 BCX0\">organised<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260997460 BCX0\"> by SAHMS in 2025. Check whether a 2026 edition is planned. In other provinces, local temples and Hindu community associations are the most reliable place to ask about <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW260997460 BCX0\">programmes<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260997460 BCX0\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW260997460 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0075eab e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0075eab\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03ec104 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"03ec104\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong> What to remember about Diwali in Durban<\/strong>\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f73a5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9f73a5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW18343927 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18343927 BCX0\">The main day is Sunday 8 November 2026. Confirm the dates declared for South Africa, check the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW18343927 BCX0\">organiser\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18343927 BCX0\"> announcements for festival details, and choose gifts that suit the household. If you want to share how you celebrate, you can do that through the survey button above.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW18343927 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87584fa e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"87584fa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40f81d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"40f81d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2af0ed2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2af0ed2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bea88de elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"bea88de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1990\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1990\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 1.When is the Diwali celebration in Durban and South Africa in 2026? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1990\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd9fff4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fd9fff4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82e51ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"82e51ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26577923 BCX0\">The main day is Sunday 8 November 2026.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26577923 BCX0\"> Public events and temple <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW26577923 BCX0\">programmes<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26577923 BCX0\"> may take place on different dates in the weeks around it, so <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW26577923 BCX0\">check<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26577923 BCX0\"> the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW26577923 BCX0\">organisers\u2019<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26577923 BCX0\"> announcements.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1991\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1991\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 2. Is Diwali a public holiday in South Africa?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1991\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d36e564 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d36e564\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b198464 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b198464\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW160750817 BCX0\">\u00a0No. It is not among South Africa\u2019s public holidays, so shops, offices and schools <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW160750817 BCX0\">generally follow<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW160750817 BCX0\"> their normal schedules.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1992\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1992\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 3.  When is the Durban Diwali Festival in 2026? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1992\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf082a1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bf082a1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8abf6f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8abf6f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW254368568 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254368568 BCX0\">The 2026 dates had not been confirmed in the sources reviewed. In recent years it was held on 3 to 5 November (2023) and 10 to 12 October (2025). Follow SAHMS for the official announcement.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1993\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1993\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 4.   Do I have to be Hindu to attend a public Diwali festival? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1993\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ec1438 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7ec1438\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f2ec74 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f2ec74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173241187 BCX0\">Public festivals have been described as drawing people from many backgrounds. For temple services, follow the temple\u2019s guidance. Check the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW173241187 BCX0\">organiser\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173241187 BCX0\"> rules for each event.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1994\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1994\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 5. Is Diwali celebrated for one day or five in South Africa?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1994\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4746081 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4746081\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43ca17a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"43ca17a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW162313643 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW162313643 BCX0\"> It depends on the family. The traditional festival has five days, and some South African families focus on the main day.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1995\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1995\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 6.  Can I set off fireworks for Diwali?  <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M177 159.7l136 136c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-22.6 22.6c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L160 255.9l-96.4 96.4c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L7 329.7c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l136-136c9.4-9.5 24.6-9.5 34-.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1995\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-176915a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"176915a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7de0c0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7de0c0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW267394476 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW267394476 BCX0\">Local municipalities set the rules on where and when fireworks may be used, so check yours first, and keep pets safe indoors.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"1.When is the Diwali celebration in Durban and South Africa in 2026?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The main day is Sunday 8 November 2026. 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