Durban Diwali Festival exceeds Hindu culture
Durban Diwali Festival has grown beyond music and dance to promoting Hindu culture, spirituality, and social responsibility.
Durban Diwali Festival 2026 (DDF) brings three days of culture, faith and community.
The SA Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) invites the public to attend the DDF at the Suncoast parking site from Friday, October 30, to Sunday, November. 1.
Recognised as the largest Diwali festival on the African continent, the event has reportedly grown beyond music and dance to promote Hindu culture, spirituality, community upliftment and social responsibility.
Three-day programme
Friday: Music and entertainment. The festival opens at 14:00 on Friday, with dance, live bands and performances. On Saturday, taking a stand against gender-based violence, will be the SAHMS, together with representatives of other faith groups. They will host an interfaith walk against violence along the Suncoast promenade. The walk begins at 08:30.
Organisers encourage people from all communities to participate, support survivors, challenge victim-blaming and help create safer environments for women, children and other vulnerable people.
Also read: Traditions and rituals performed on Diwali Day
Entertainment will continue throughout the day on the main stage featuring keynote speakers, cultural performances, music and interfaith contributions.
An on-site mandir will remain open throughout the festival.
The formal opening ceremony takes place at 19:00, followed by the Incredible India fireworks display at 20:15.
Also read: Content creators share delicious recipes for Diwali
On Sunday there will be a prayer and devotion. The day will include devotional music (bhajan) performances by the Andhra Maha Sabha, the Devasthanum Foundation and the Tamil Vedic Society, followed by the SA Raam Bhajan Association’s Bhajan Festival.
Admission is R20 per person, and secure parking is available. For more information, contact the SAHMS office on 031 309 1951 or Neeran Besesar on 082 788 5767. Email admin@sahms.org.za or info@sahms.org.za.
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