Many interesting rituals and traditions have attached themselves to Diwali and one can find a little regional variation in them in different parts of India. However, one of the unique customs of Diwali consists of indulgence in gambling, normally considered a vice, in North India. It is said that while Goddess Parvati was playing dice with her spouse Lord Shiva on this day, she enjoyed herself so much that she said that whoever will gamble on Diwali night would remain prosperous throughout the year. Nowadays, dice has become obsolete and have been replaced by cards. However, many people put a limit to the stakes that can be played, especially for the kids.

Diwali is a 5 day long festival.

The 1st day is known as 'Dhanteras'. People renovate and decorate their houses and workplaces on this day and make traditional 'Rangoli' motifs on the entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Lamps and candles are lit throughout the night. It is considered auspicious to buy gold and silver on this day. Many people opt for buying new utensils on this day. In Maharashtra, offerings of lightly pounded dry coriander seeds with jaggery are made to the Goddess. Rural people revere their cattle on this day and cows are considered especially auspicious.

On 2nd day, people take bath before sunrise anointing themselves with oil and 'Ubtan' (scrub made up of gram flour and fragrant powders). Bengalis believe that Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktavija on this day.

The 3rd day is the main day of the Diwali festival. Jains have their own religious significance of the day, as they believe, that it is on this day Lord Mahavir attained 'Nirvana' (or Eternal Bliss). Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the great saint who gave rise to Hindu Renaissance, also left the mortal world on this day. On this day, people wear new clothes and share gifts and sweets with their friends and relatives. Women prepare delicacies and whole house is illuminated with 'diyas' and candles. Fireworks and crackers are the kids' favorites on this day.

On the 4th day is the 'Govardhan-Puja' or 'Annakoot'. In the temples of Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are bathed with milk and adorned with precious clothes and ornaments. Then offerings of a large variety of delicacies are made to them.

The 5th day or the last day of this festival is called ' Bhai Duj '. On this day, sisters invite their brothers and their family to their homes and treat them with delicacies. In turn, brothers offer them with gifts and sweets.