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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Bali Pratipada and Gujarati New Year Day - Day Four of Diwali

Bali Pratipada is performed on the day after Diwali. Bali Puja coincides with Govardhan Puja. While Govardhan Puja is dedicated to Govardhan hills and Lord Krishna, Bali Puja is performed to seek blessings of asura Bali.

Due to boon bestowed by Vishnu in his Vamana avatar, Bali is worshipped in India during Diwali. Bali was pushed to Patala by Vamana, but due to generosity of the king Bali, Vishnu allowed him three days to visit Bhulok (i.e. the earth). It is believed that  Bali resides on the earth for three days and blesses his devotees during these days.

In Kerala, king Bali is worshipped during Onam and the concept of Onam is same as that of Bali Puja in other parts of India.

For the brahmin families in Karnataka, today is the day when they will worship Bali, Lakshmi and Vishnu.

Today also happens to be the new year day for the Gujarati community.

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