Padyami.

Balipāḍyami – The Return of the Noble King

As the lamps of Deepāvali continue to glow, another day dawns — Balipāḍyami, the day when the noble King Mahābali returns from the netherworld to visit his people. It is the first day (Pāḍyami) of the bright fortnight of Kārttika month, a day that carries the fragrance of devotion, humility, and gratitude.

The Story Behind the Day

Long ago, there lived a mighty and benevolent ruler — Mahābali, grandson of the great devotee Prahlāda. His kingdom was a paradise of prosperity, equality, and peace. So generous was Bali that no one left his court empty-handed. But as his fame spread across the three worlds, even the gods began to feel his growing power.

To humble Bali and restore balance, Lord Vishnu took the form of a small Brahmin boy — Vāmana. During a great sacrifice, the young Vāmana approached King Bali and asked for a simple gift — three steps of land. Smiling at the modest request, Bali readily agreed.

At that moment, Vāmana grew into a cosmic form — Trivikrama.

With one stride, He covered the earth;

with the second, He spanned the heavens;

and there was no space left for the third.

In that instant of realization, King Bali bowed his head and offered himself — his body, his pride, and his soul — for the Lord’s final step. Vishnu placed His foot upon Bali’s head, sending him to the Pātāla, but blessed him with eternal fame and a promise:

“Once every year, you may return to visit your people, and they shall remember your reign of goodness.”

That promised day became Balipāḍyami.

Across southern India — especially in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra — homes are adorned with rangolis, toranas of mango leaves, and lamps to welcome the beloved king. Special pūjās are performed to Lord Vāmana and King Bali, seeking prosperity and humility in life. Families prepare festive foods such as pāyasam, obattu, holige, and share them with love.

In many regions, Balipāḍyami also marks the new year for business communities. Ledgers are opened afresh with prayers for honest earnings and good fortune.

In Kerala, this same legend blooms as Onam, where King Mahābali’s visit is celebrated with floral carpets and feasts — a beautiful expression of devotion beyond time.

Balipāḍyami reminds us that true greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in humility and surrender. Even when he lost his kingdom, King Bali gained immortality in memory and love. His story teaches us to balance prosperity with righteousness, and to open our hearts as generously as he opened his hands.

As the lights of Deepāvali fade into the new dawn of Kārttika, Balipāḍyami whispers a timeless truth —

When the ego bows, grace descends.

वामनाय नमो नित्यं बलिं च भक्तवत्सलम् ।

ददातु मे मनः शुद्धिं धनं धान्यं च सर्वदा ॥

 Vāmanāya namo nityaṁ baliṁ ca bhakta-vatsalam,

Dadātu me manaḥ śuddhiṁ dhanaṁ dhānyaṁ ca sarvadā.

Salutations to Lord Vāmana, the eternal one,

and to King Bali, the ever-loving devotee.

May they bless me with a pure heart,

and with prosperity, virtue, and contentment always.