Wishing South Africa a Joyous Diwali!

Today, thousands of Hindus in South Africa are celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, which is among the most significant events in the Hindu calendar and also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

Is Diwali on the same date every year?

Diwali, or Deepawali, is the largest and most celebrated Hindu festival worldwide, lasting five days. It traditionally begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhaiya Dooj.

The annual festival usually falls between October and November. The exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the moon.

Although Diwali falls on Thursday 31 October 2024 in South Africa, some parts of the world will observe the festival on Friday 01 November 2024 only.

Warning issued about fireworks

Fireworks are often part of the Diwali celebrations. However, there are various risks involved.

The City of Tshwane has issued an advisory on the use of fireworks ahead of the Diwali celebrations this week. The Citizen reported that Tshwane residents need approval from the City’s Emergency Services Department to take part in firework displays. Also, the City stipulated the following requirements for firework displays:

• The area where people discharge fireworks must be at least 100 m from buildings, roads, and railway lines.
• The area where people discharge fireworks must be at least 20 m from telephone or power lines, trees, and overhead obstructions.
• An area extending 50 m from the front and to the sides of the point where people discharge fireworks must be clear of persons.
• The area to be kept clear of falling residue that is expected to drop from aerial fireworks must extend for at least 100 m to the end of the discharge point.

The SPCA has reminded communities across the country to prioritise animal safety and welfare during the celebrations.

Diwali fireworks in India

Interestingly, several state governments in India have imposed curbs or banned the practice as northern Indian states grapple with severe air pollution.

There is a complete ban on the sale and use of firecrackers in the capital, Delhi, during the festival while states like Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka have limited firecracker use to specific hours on Diwali evening, as reported by the BBC.