Fri Nov 01 19:59:45 UTC 2024: ## Diwali Padwa 2024: Celebrating the Union of Husband and Wife

**Mumbai, India** – Diwali festivities are in full swing across India, with Lakshmi Puja being celebrated on the 1st of November. The following day, on November 2nd, marks the auspicious occasion of Diwali Padwa, also known as Balipratipada, the first day of the Vikram Samvat calendar.

This significant day celebrates the unbreakable bond of love between husband and wife, with wives performing a special ritual called “aarti” for their husbands, praying for their long and prosperous lives.

**Significance and Rituals:**

Diwali Padwa falls on the Kartik Shukla Pratipada, which is also known as Balipratipada. On this day, people worship Baliraja, the generous king. It is considered the beginning of the new Vikram Samvat year, much like the new Shaka year begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.

The day also marks the beginning of the new business year, with businesses performing “Vahni Puja” (worship of the account books) and shop rituals to welcome prosperity.

**Wife’s Affection for Her Husband:**

On Diwali Padwa, wives bathe their husbands with fragrant oils and perform an “aushkan” ritual, offering gifts and blessings for their well-being. The husbands reciprocate by offering gifts to their wives. Newlywed couples traditionally celebrate their first Diwali with the wife’s family, a custom known as “Diwali San”.

**The Legend of Balipratipada:**

According to legend, Lord Vishnu, in his avatar of Vamana, requested three steps of land from King Bali. Bali readily granted his request, unaware of Vamana’s true identity. Vamana used his first two steps to cover the entire universe and Earth. When asked where to place his third step, Bali offered his own head. As Vamana placed his foot on Bali’s head, Bali was sent to the netherworld.

As a gesture of kindness, Lord Vishnu blessed Bali, stating that his worship on the Pratipada would become a significant festival. This is believed to be the origin of the tradition of worshipping Bali on Diwali Padwa.

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