Diwali Padwa 2026

Who Celebrates This Festival?

• Wives: Wives perform the aukshan (waving of the lamp) of their husbands on this day, and the husbands honour them with a gift (ovalani).
• Traders: Traders worship Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera and begin their new account books (vahi) on this day.
• Farmers: Farmers honour King Bali, the farmer-king, with a lamp carried to the field.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Abhyang Snan: The oil bath is taken early, before sunrise.
• Bali Puja: The worship of Bali and Vindhyavali is done in the morning after the bath. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Aukshan (Ovalani): The wife's aukshan of her husband is done in the morning after the bath (in some families, in the evening).
• Vahi Pujan: Traders worship their new account books in an auspicious muhurat of the day. Check the timings for your city on this page.

The Vrat Katha (Story of King Bali and Vamana)

Bali was the king of the asuras, the grandson of the great devotee Prahlada and the son of Virochana. Though born in a demon line, he was a virtuous and humble king, devoted to his people, and famous for his generosity. As his power grew, he defeated even the gods.

After a great yajna, when gifts were being given, Lord Vishnu came before him as Vamana, in the dress of a young brahmachari, and asked for just three steps of land. True to his word, Bali agreed at once. Vamana then took a vast form and, with his steps, covered the earth and the heavens.

With no space left for the third step, Bali offered his own head. Vamana placed his foot on it and gave him the kingdom of Patala. Pleased with his truthfulness and generosity, Vishnu blessed him: "On the Pratipada of Kartik, people will worship your generosity and forgiveness." Vishnu himself took on the work of doorkeeper at Bali's kingdom.

Because Bali cared for his people as a farmer-king, women still pray on this day, "Ida Pida Talo, Baliche Rajya Yevo" (may all troubles go, and may Bali's rule come). Since that day, families have honoured King Bali on Bali Pratipada.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Bath Items: Oil and Ubtan (body paste) for the Abhyang Snan
• Rangoli: Rangoli in five colours to draw Bali and Vindhyavali
• Gifts in Bali's Name: Lamps (Diya) and cloth to give in charity
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Naivedya to offer to Bali and Vindhyavali
• For the Aukshan: A plate (Tat) for the aukshan, and the ovalani, a gift from the husband to place in it
• For the Vahi Pujan: New account books (Vahi), Haldi-Kunku, Gandh (sandalwood paste), flowers, and Akshata (unbroken rice grains)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Abhyang Snan and New Clothes

1. Wake up early, before sunrise.
2. Rub oil on the body and take the Abhyang Snan (the ritual oil bath).
3. Wear new clothes.

Step 2: Worshipping Bali and Vindhyavali

1. Draw King Bali and his wife Vindhyavali on the floor in five-coloured rangoli.
2. Worship them and offer Naivedya.
3. Pray: "Ida Pida Talo, Baliche Rajya Yevo" (may all troubles go, and may Bali's rule come).
4. Give lamps and cloth in charity in Bali's name.

Step 3: Aukshan of the Husband

1. After the bath, the wife performs the Aukshan of her husband, waving the lamp before him.
2. The husband places the ovalani, a gift for his wife, in the plate.
3. Women also perform the aukshan of the other men of both families.

Step 4: The Farmers' Lamp

1. At dawn, the farmer covers his head with a ghongadi (a blanket of coarse wool).
2. He carries a lit lamp made of dough, placed in a pot, to the field.
3. He buries the lamp at the bund of the field (in some places, a Bali made of cow dung, called Shubha, or an image of Bali on horseback, is made and worshipped).

Step 5: Vahi Pujan for Traders

1. Worship Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera.
2. Open the new account books and worship them with Haldi-Kunku, Gandh, flowers, and Akshata.

Step 6: Festive Meal and Closing the Day

1. Share a festive meal of pakvanna (a special feast of cooked dishes) with the family.
2. In the night, place a picture of Bali with his wife on a specially made seat (gadi), light lamps in their honour, and keep a night vigil (jagaran) with song and dance.
3. A newly married couple spends its first Diwali at the wife's parental home, where the son-in-law is welcomed with gifts (Dival-san).