Diwali Padwa 2024: Date, shubh muhurat, history, puja vidhi and all you need to know about Bali Pratipada

Updated on: Nov 2, 2024, 10:51:56 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri, New Delhi

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Diwali Padwa, or Bali Puja, celebrates the demon king Bali on November 2, 2024. (Dinuka Liyanawatte / REUTERS)

Diwali Padwa or Bali Pratipada celebrates demon king Bali, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. From date, history to timings, here's all you need to know

Diwali Padwa, also known as Bali Puja or Bali Pratipada, is celebrated on the first day of Kartik Pratipada, which follows Diwali Puja. This festival coincides with Govardhan Puja, but while Govardhan Puja honours the Govardhan mountain and Lord Krishna, Bali Puja focuses on seeking the blessings of the demon king Bali. Worshipped in India during Diwali due to a boon granted by Lord Vishnu, Bali represents the triumph of goodness over evil, making this day a significant occasion for devotees. From date to timings, scroll down to know more. (Also read: Govardhan Puja 2024: How to perform Govardhan Maharaj arti for prosperity and happiness? Dos and don'ts to keep in mind )

Bali Pratipada 2024 date and timings

This year, the significant festival of Bali Pratipada will be celebrated on Saturday, November 2. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings are as follows:

Bali Puja Pratahkala muhurat - 06:34 AM to 08:46 AM, November 2

Duration - 02 hours 12 minutes

Bali Puja Sayankala muhurat - 15:23 PM to 17:35 PM

Duration - 02 hours 12 minutes

Pratipada Tithi begins - 18:16 PM on Nov 01, 2024

Pratipada Tithi ends - 20:21 PM on Nov 02, 2024

Bali Pratipada 2024 history

According to legends associated with the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu, the demon king Bali was banished to Patala (the netherworld) by Lord Vishnu. However, due to Bali's generosity, Vishnu granted him permission to visit Bhulok (the earthly realm) for three days. It is believed that during this time, King Bali blessed his devotees.

Religious texts suggest that an image of King Bali, along with his wife Vindhyavali, should be placed at the centre of the home. This image is to be adorned with five different colours, and devotees should worship this colourful representation during Bali Puja.

Bali Pratipada 2024 rituals

The rituals of Bali Pratipada vary across states but generally include gift exchanges to honour King Bali and the deities. Hindus begin the day with a ceremonial oil bath, followed by wearing new clothes. Homes are adorned with colourful Rangoli or Kolam designs at the entrance, and images of Bali and his wife, Vindhyavali, are worshipped, often made from clay or cow dung.

As night falls, lamps are lit at doorways and temples. Celebrations include community sports, feasting, and the traditional dice game pachikalu, which has its roots in a legend involving gods Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, and Ganesha.

In western India, cultural events and musical concerts are part of the festivities. The farming communities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also observe special rituals such as Kedaragauri Vratam, Gopuja, and Gouramma Puja, which include cleaning cowsheds and worshipping decorated images of King Bali.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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