Quick answer: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) 2026 in South Africa is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. South Africa is home to one of the world’s largest Diwali celebrations outside India, centred on Durban, where the festival lights up the city each year. Perform Lakshmi Puja in the pradosh (dusk) window after local sunset — confirm the exact muhurat for Durban with a local panchang.

South Africa is home to one of the world’s largest Diwali celebrations outside India, centred on Durban, where the festival lights up the city each year.

How South Africa celebrates Diwali 2026

Durban’s Indian community — the largest concentration of people of Indian descent outside India — marks Diwali with home lamps, prayers, fireworks and large public festivals, and Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town follow with their own celebrations. Temples hold special Lakshmi pujas, and the season is one of the highlights of the South African Hindu calendar.

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Diwali 2026 city by city in South Africa

Durban & KwaZulu-Natal

The heartland of Hindu South Africa, with city Diwali festivals, temple pujas and family celebrations across the province.

Johannesburg & Gauteng

Lenasia and Gauteng’s suburbs light up for Diwali with temple programmes, markets and fireworks displays.

Cape Town & beyond

Community associations and temples hold Diwali gatherings for families across the country.

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Temples and community associations announce their exact 2026 Diwali programme dates a few weeks ahead — check locally for venues and times.

Diwali 2026 dates

Date

Observance

Friday, 6 November

Dhanteras

Saturday, 7 November

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Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali

Sunday, 8 November

Diwali · Lakshmi Puja

Monday, 9 November

Govardhan Puja / Annakut

Tuesday, 10 November

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Bhai Dooj

Lakshmi Puja follows local sunset, so use a panchang set to your city or check today's panchangam.

Frequently asked questions

When is Diwali 2026 in South Africa?

Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Diwali 2026 around the world

More country and city guides, each with local Lakshmi Puja muhurat and events: