Diwali on a budget: families share how they are preserving tradition despite economic challenges

AS DIWALI approaches, families are navigating the festival’s financial demands differently this year.

From drastically reducing fireworks expenditure to focusing on homemade sweetmeats, community members share how they are preserving the festival’s essence despite tightened purse strings.

Dayanundh Ramsuran, 65, of Mount Edgecombe, said Diwali was more about prayer and reflection rather than fireworks.

He said the high cost of living made luxuries like fireworks difficult to buy.

However, to appease his grandchildren, Ramsuran said he had budgeted R250 for fireworks.

Darshan Naidoo, 28, of Umgeni Park, said his business was still struggling to recover five years after the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the cost of ingredients to prepare home-baked goodies was exorbitant.

“In recent years, we have cut down on baking for Diwali because of the costs. Years ago, we used to spend money buying boxes of fireworks. We have cut this back completely. We watch others light up the sky.”

“In recent years, we have cut down on baking for Diwali because of the costs. Years ago, we used to spend money buying boxes of fireworks. We have cut this back completely. We watch others light up the sky.”

Tarryn Debideen, 35, of Phoenix, said she believed Diwali this year would be “not as lavish and loud” as past years but she was confident the celebrations would be “meaningful”.

“I don’t shop the way I used to or chase the perfect outfit or the biggest box of sweets. These days I find joy in the quiet moments – the warm glow of a single diya, the scent of incense in the air, and the memories of Diwalis gone by.

"I have cut down on spending but my heart feels fuller because the real light of Diwali isn’t in what we buy, it is in what we carry within us,” she said.

Shivardna Ramchender, 28, of Phoenix, said with tighter budgets, people were choosing simplicity over extravagance, opting for home-made sweetmeats and family gatherings.

She said despite the financial strain, the spirit of Diwali remained undimmed.

“Our clay lamps get reused every year. They get put away after each use. “Each year we freshen them with new rhinestones and a coat of paint. We no longer find the need to have extravagant decor to feel we celebrated this beautiful festival.

“When it comes to sweetmeats, we don’t compromise on quality ingredients. I would rather have two or three quality sweetmeats, made with love.”

She added that communities were also stepping up, organising collective celebrations and charity drives to support those impacted by unemployment.

Kritisha Rajcoomar, 54, of Phoenix, said she was grateful for the skills and knowledge of sweetmeat making acquired from her family.

“We spend less on things we consider secondary to the celebration like home décor. However, we set aside a monthly budget for the cost of ingredients. We do not compromise on quality. 

“When it comes to fireworks – the colourful ones are appreciated, but we have realised that it’s foolish to be spending huge amounts that last less than five minutes. It is about being wise enough not to burn a hole in your pocket.”

Jauhara Chetty, 40, runs a home industry from Chatsworth, specialising in Diwali sweetmeats for the past 13 years.

“I really am finding it hard these last few years as a home baker to come out with a good profit as the cost of ingredients is extremely high.

“I use pure butter in my sweetmeats and biscuits, which is costly. It really is difficult this Diwali to grow my businesses with the rising prices of ingredients.

“Customers complain about the prices but they do not understand what it takes to prepare quality products. They also ask for discounts but don’t realise the profit I make is low.”

Professor Brij Maharaj, deputy president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said the ability to celebrate any festival hinged on economic affordability, and Diwali was no exception. “Considering the current challenges facing the South African economy, many Hindu families will need to adjust their Diwali celebrations – be it food, clothing, or fireworks – according to their financial means.

“This starkly highlights the growing class divide: while a wealthy minority indulge in lavish festivities, complete with designer sweets and opulent displays, a significant portion of the population must scale back.

“Diwali, at its core, serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to uplift those in need. It’s an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can bring light and joy into the lives of the less fortunate, regardless of race or religion, fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion,” he said.

“The true essence of Diwali lies not only in the brightness of diyas (lamps), but in the warmth of giving, the bonds of community, and the light we bring into each other’s lives,” he added.

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