When returning, his path was lit by hundreds of lighted candles of all colours and fireworks mark the celebration of his return. The 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. It signifies the victory of good over evil. The festival is the time for family reunion.
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.