Bali Pratipada

Bali Pratipada, Bali Padyami, Bali Padva, Diwali Padva, Vira Pratipada or Dyuta Pratipada is celebrated on the first day of the fortnight in the month of Kartik. It usually falls on the fourth day of Diwali. Pratipada translates as below the opponent's foot. The day commemorates the return of king Bali to earth. On Bali Pratipada day, individuals commemorate king Bali and pray for the return of the prosperity that existed during his reign. Exchanging gifts on this day is a major highlight.

When is Bali Pratipada in 2025?

This day marks the start of the New Year according to the Vikram calendar, also known as 'Vikram Samvat'.

Bali Pratipada falls on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

Bali Pratipada on Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Bali Puja Pratahkala Muhurat - 05:42 to 07:59
Duration - 02 Hours 18 Mins

Govardhan Puja on Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bali Puja Sayankala Muhurat - 14:52 to 17:09
Duration - 02 Hours 18 Mins

Pratipada Tithi Begins - 17:54 on Oct 21, 2025
Pratipada Tithi Ends - 20:16 on Oct 22, 2025

Significance of Bali Pratipada

The most renowned significance of Bali Pratipada is the commemoration of the victory of Bhagawan Vishnu over King Bali, also known as Mahabali. King Bali, according to Hindu mythology, was a generous and virtuous demon king who had amassed vast power and wealth. Bhagawan Vishnu assumed the Vamana (dwarf) avatar to subdue Bali and defend the heavens. On Bali Pratipada, it is believed that King Bali, a devotee of Bhagawan Vishnu, is permitted to return to earth from the underworld, and people celebrate this occasion to welcome him. The day of Bali Pratipada is regarded as auspicious for beginning new endeavors, businesses, or investments. People believe that new endeavors begun on this day are likely to be prosperous and successful.

Bali Pratipada Rituals & Celebration

People visit temples to offer prayers and special pujas to Bhagawan Vishnu and King Bali, seeking their blessings for prosperity and health. Sisters perform the 'Bhav-Bij' ritual, which entails marking their brothers' foreheads and exchanging gifts to strengthen sibling bonds. It is a favorable time to initiate new ventures and businesses, as success is believed to be guaranteed on this date. The lighting of lamps and diyas marks the return of light after Diwali's period of darkness. Bali Pratipada includes cultural celebrations such as processions, traditional dances, music, and fairs, making it a vibrant and significant celebration.

On this day, ‘Yama’ and ‘Tiryak’ frequencies are high. Naivaidya is performed to satisfy the hunger and thirst of Bali Pratipada. Abhyangasnan, an early morning bath with an oil massage is undertaken. In the afternoon, devotees feast on a meal and light lamps in the evening. On Bali Pratipada, an image of King Bali is drawn at the center of the house along with his wife Vindhyavali. Devotees offer food and exchange gifts in order to please King Bali. It is an auspicious time for weddings and purchasing properties. Rangoli is prepared with powdered rice. Delicacies are prepared from wheat, rice, curry and leafy vegetables.

Bali Padyami Puja

Bali Pratipada Puja takes place on the first day of Kartik Pratipada, which occurs the day after Diwali Puja. Bali Padyami Puja and Govardhan Puja coincide. Govardhan Puja is dedicated to the Govardhan highlands and Bhagawan Krishna, whereas Bali Padyami Puja is carried out to seek the blessings of Bali, ruler of the demons.

According to legends associated with Bhagawan Vishnu's Vamana Avatar, Bhagawan Vishnu pushed Demon Bali to Patala (i.e., Nadir). However, owing to the benevolence of King Bali, Bhagawan Vishnu granted him three days to explore Bhulok (the earth). It is believed that King Bali favors his devotees during his three-day stay on earth.

During Bali Pratipada puja a pictorial representation of King Bali and his wife Vindhyavali is created in the form of a rangoli. People light lamps and burst noisy crackers to welcome King Bali on earth. Clothes, food and other necessary items are donated. According to religious scriptures, the image of King Bali and his wife Vindhyavali should be drawn in the center of the residence. The image should be composed of five distinct hues. During Bali Padyami Puja, the five-colored image should be worshipped.

The Legends of Bali Pratipada

Patanjali's Mahabhashya, a commentary on Panini's treatise, Astadhyayi, mentions King Bali, the beneficent King of the Asuras. The legend is a continuation of Samundra Manthan by the Devas in order to reclaim their glory against the Asuras.

Bali was a powerful demon king and the entire world was under his control. He attacked Bhagawan Indra and occupied Indralok which was ruled by the demigods. King Bali eyed Bhagawan Indra’s position. To propitiate the Gods, he performed a yagna. The yagna was so successful that the Gods feared that he might ask for something which is beyond their capacity. Some of the Gods pleaded with Bhagawan Vishnu to test King Bali's power. As per guru Shukracharya’s advice, he had performed 99 Ashwamedha yajna. If he completed the 100th, he would be eligible to acquire Bhagawan Indra’s position. Bhagawan Indra sought help of Bhagawan Vishnu to avoid being dethroned by King Bali.

Meanwhile, Aditi, the mother of Bhagawan Indra performed tapas to restore her son’s lost glory. Bhagawan Vishnu assured that he himself would rescue Bhagawan Indra. Hence, Bhagawan Vishnu was born to Aditi and was incarnated as Vamana, the fifth avatar of Bhagawan Vishnu, a dwarf. He approached King Bali while he was conducting the 100th Ashwamedha yajna. Upon seeing Vamana during the yajna, King Bali approached Vamana and greeted him with Sashtang namaskara. King Bali promised Vamana that he would fulfil his demands. He offered land, elephants, horses and jewels to Vamana. However, Vamana politely declined.

Vamana praised King Bali and reminded him that his great grandfather Prahlad was a Bhagawan Vishnu devotee. He also praised Hiranyakashipu-Hiranyaksha for their determination and power. Vamana told King Bali that he ruled the three worlds, the earth, the world above the skies and the underworld. He desired to cover three strides across the three worlds. However, the request seemed strange to the courtiers although King Bali granted it.

Bhagawan Vishnu submerged the entire world (Mrityu Loka) with one step. With the second step, he submerged Swarga loka (heaven). With the third step, there was no respectable place to put his foot down. So, he asked King Bali for a respectable place to put his foot so that the boon could be fulfilled. King Bali knew that it was none other than Bhagawan Vishnu disguised in Vamana avatar. So, he offered his head. Having lost no time, Bhagawan Vishnu placed his foot over King Bali's head and thrust Bali into Paatal Lok or the underworld. The Bhagawan was so pleased with King Bali’s devotion that he was given a boon and allowed to pay a visit to Bhulok for three days. It is believed that during these three days, King Bali arrives on earth to spread love,joy and wisdom and blesses the devotees on ‘Bali Padyami.’

King Bali and Bhagawan Vishnu

King Bali, a devotee of Bhagawan Vishnu had requested him to descend on earth in order to protect his kingdom. Bhagawan Vishnu left behind his consort Lakshmi devi at their heavenly abode which made Lakshmi quite upset. She disguised as a poor Brahmin and sought refuge until her husband returned. While Lakshmi devi dwelled over there, she tied a sacred thread (Rakhi) on King Bali’s wrist and revealed her true identity. She requested him to ask Bhagawan Vishnu to return to his heavenly abode. King Bali was touched by her gesture and asked Bhagawan Vishnu to return. The day is commemorated as ‘Baleva.’

King Bali defeats Ravana

King Bali ruled Paatal Lok and his fame eventually was known to Ravana as well. An arrogant Ravana went to Paatal Lok to challenge King Bali. According to the Lanka Kanda of the Ramacharitamanasa of Tulsidas, the legend is narrated by Angad who went to Lanka as the messenger of Bhagawan Ram, to avert the war. The children in the palace captured Ravana and tied him up along with horses. They mocked and ridiculed him and also beat and kicked him. However, King Bali had compassion on the demon king and set him free.