Diwali Padwa, Bali Pratipada: See significance and date

Bali Pratipadā, also known as Bali Padyami, Diwali Padva, Virapratipada or Dyutapratipada, is the fourth day of Diwali, and is celebrated in some parts of the country in honour of the notional return of the daitya-king Bali to earth. From today on, the lunar fortnight begins.

Gujaratis call the day Varsha pratipada and Bestu Varas. This year it falls on October 26.

The earliest mention of the Bali legend is found in Patanjali's Mahabhashya, which is a commentary on Panini's treatise, the Astadhyayi. The legend is a continuation of Samundra Manthan by the Devas to regain their glory against the asuras.


The legend says that Bali, or Mahabali, the benevolent king of the Asuras was threatening the heavens, and so Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Vamana sent him to patala or netherworld.

But the Lord was so pleased with the devotion of Balli that he allowed him to visit his former subjects once a year. This day is observed as Bali Pratipada. This is similar to the legend behind the Onam festival in Kerala.