Dev Deepawali 2026 in South Africa: Tue, Nov 24 — Puja Time by City

How the Dev Deepawali date is decided

The day on which the tithi prevails in Pradosh Kaal (after local sunset).

Significance

The Puranas equate the bath, charity and lamp-offering of Kartik Purnima with the merit of an Ashwamedha yajna; the month-long Kartik bath-vow concludes on this day.

Deepdaan — floating lamps on a river, pond or a vessel of water — is offered for both the ancestors and the gods; that is why this evening is the Diwali of the gods, not of humans.

The same full moon carries the Sikh Guru Nanak Jayanti (Prakash Purab) and, in some Jain traditions, the remembrance of Mahavira's nirvana — in north India both celebrations light up the same evening.

Puja vidhi (brief)

1. Bathe in Brahma Muhurat (with Gangajal added), offer arghya to the sun; fruit-only through the day if possible.
2. Charity in the day — woollens/blankets, lamps, grain; winter is beginning, so the gift of clothing is special.
3. After sunset, in the Pradosh period (time above), light a lamp at the Tulsi altar and remember Vishnu-Lakshmi and Shiva.
4. Deepdaan — on a river or pond, or at home in a water-filled plate/tub with dough or clay lamps; 11, 21 or 51 as you wish.
5. A row of lamps on the threshold, balcony and roof; chant 'Om Namo Narayanaya' or a Shiva mantra.
6. At night offer arghya to the moon with kheer; if fasting, break the fast after it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dev Deepawali 2026 on the same day in South Africa and India?

Yes — Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

What is the puja time for Dev Deepawali 2026 in Durban?

Pradosh Kaal Puja: 6:37 PM to 8:39 PM (SAST). Other cities are in the table above.

Which time zone are these timings in?

Each row is in that city's own local time (South Africa Time (SAST) for Durban).

What is the difference between Diwali and Dev Deepawali?

Diwali, on Kartik Amavasya, is the festival of humans — Lakshmi puja; Dev Deepawali, fifteen days later on Purnima, is the Diwali of the gods — remembering the slaying of Tripurasura, with lamp-offering and the Ganga bath.

How do I keep Dev Deepawali at home?

Bath and charity in the morning; in the evening lamps at the Tulsi altar and around the house, 11/21 lamps floated in a water-filled plate, arghya to the moon and an offering of kheer — a trip to Kashi is not required.

Is a fast compulsory?

No — the Purnima fast is optional; keep fruit or one sattvik meal and break it after the moon arghya in the evening.

Daily panchang in South Africa

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