After issuing the “North Indian date”, the Maha Sabha confirmed that the official days to celebrate Diwali in the country were on October 22 and October 23.
The KwaZulu-Natal guidelines showed that, according to local council, that Diwali celebrations would be allowed for a period of two days (22 to 23 October) from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
“Please exercise caution and be sensitive to neighbours and animals,” said SA Hindu Maha Sabha.
Guidelines indicated that big bang fireworks were strictly prohibited.
Joburg Metro police Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar told The Citizen that fireworks may be ignited between 7pm and 11pm in the city during Diwali.
This was according to emergency service by-laws,in section 30 (3).
“Fireworks may be not be ignited by a minor and may not be ignited at the presence of animals,” said Minnaar.
He added that fireworks may not be sold to street-hawkers and should be stored in a safe place.
University of KwaZulu-Natal curriculum and education studies lecturer Dr Lokesh Ramnath Maharajh said Diwali/Luxmi Pooja should be done on Thursday.
“October 22 may be used as a guide to when universities, schools or work-related institutions can consider the day off for employers,” said Maharajh.
Others who wish to observe Diwali/Deepavali on any other day/date (21, 22, 23 or 24 October 2014) are at liberty to renegotiate the day off with their employers.”