Women indulge in making all kinds of sweets and children enjoy themselves with fireworks. It is a custom to have a bath at dawn, wear new clothes, the lighting of oil lamps and bursting of firecrackers. The first day is Dhan Trayodashi. On the second day Naraak Chaturdashi. On the third day is Lakshmi Poojan on which people worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Businessmen keep their shops shut as a symbol of protecting wealth.
The fourth day is Bali Pratipada. On the last day is Bhaubeej, when the sister asks the Lord for the well-being of her brother, who is her Protector. In return, the brother bestows the sister with gifts. The Diwali festival lasts for 5 days and occurs during the lunar eclipse at the end of October or beginning of November. It also encompasses the Hindu Halloween, the end of the old year and the start of the new year.