Diwali generally lasts five days. The festival usually begins two days before the new moon (Amavasya), starting with Dhanteras, and continues for a total of five days. The main day of Diwali is the third day, known as Lakshmi Puja, which is the apex of the celebrations when families worship the goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. The festival extends to two more days after Diwali, including Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, marking the celebration of new beginnings, the victory of light over darkness, and the bond between siblings. This five-day celebration includes cleaning homes, lighting lamps, exchanging gifts, feasting, prayers, and fireworks and is observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists between mid-October and mid-November, aligning with the Hindu lunisolar calendar.