Deepavali (Diwali) - Balipadyami

Send Deepavali Greetings

Balipadyami on which 'Bali' is worshipped follows Deepavali. There is a story behind this. When Vishnu was born as vamana (the dwarf), he crushed Bali into the under world. Then Prahlada (father of Virochaka and grandfather of Bali) pleaded Vishnu to pardon Bali. Then Bali was made the king of the under world. On Bali's request, Vishnu granted a boon that people on earth would remember him and would worship him. That is the reason for Balipadyami. On that day also people burst crackers and celebrate in the name of Bali.

Vishnu stayed with Bali in the under world as an entrance guard. When Ravana went to kill Bali, he invited him heartily and made him to sit on his lap. On enquiry, he was told that Vishnu was none other than the person who was guarding his kingdom. Flabbergasted, Ravana left for Lanka. There is a story to tell that on Balipadyami ‘Gambling’ (Judam) should be played.

Once on this padyami day, Shiva and Parvathi played ‘pachikalu’ (dice game). Shiva lost to Parvathi. Kumaraswami then played dice with Parvathi and won. Then Lord Vinayaka (Ganesh) played with Lord Kumaraswami and won. Since then, it has been customary for the family to be involved in gambling on this day. Some families follow this custom even today. However, instead of dice they now play card games. This game should be played strictly among the family members only.

Farmers celebrate this day in a different way. They perform Kedargauri vratam, Gopuja (puja to cow), and Gouramma puja. This ritual is being followed still in Tamilnadu. Krishna performed Govardhana puja on this day. So, people are following it even today. A wooden plank is decorated with colours and designs and a triangular shaped image of Bali, made out of cow-dung is placed on it and it is worshipped with marigold flowers. ‘Dasibalipuja’ is also performed in many parts of the country on this day.