Diwali you might not know: Why South India lights lamps for a demon king astrology news

Diwali or Diwali, as it is called in most of India, is known as the festival of victory of light over darkness. Homes sparkle with lamps, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped and families celebrate prosperity and new beginnings. On Amavasya, the new moon night, Lakshmi Puja marks the heart of the festival – the worship of wealth, abundance and good fortune in homes, shops and workplaces alike.

But in South India, Diwali carries another layer of meaning, rooted not in wealth, but in humility and devotion. The day after the new moon, known as Balipadayami, honors a very different figure: King Bali, the great demon who once ruled the world with justice, generosity, and compassion.

great demon king

When we hear the word “monster”, images of cruelty and chaos often come to mind. Yet Bali, or Bali Chakravarti, was nothing. In Hindu mythology, he is remembered as one of the most righteous rulers ever to live on Earth, a king so great that even the gods became uneasy with his growing power.

Bali’s kingdom was just and happy. He fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless and ruled with a rare sense of duty and equality. His subjects respected him. But not everyone was happy. Indra, the king of the gods, felt threatened by the rise of Bali, who was troubled by his previous defeat at the hands of powerful demons. Fearing that one day he would lose his throne again, Indra approached Lord Vishnu for help.

Vishnu could not destroy Bali, because he had not committed any sin. But to protect the cosmic balance and calm Indra’s anxiety, Vishnu promised to intervene – not by force, but by wisdom.

arrival of vaman

Lord Vishnu descended on earth in the form of a young Brahmin boy named Vamana. Dressed in simple clothes, holding an umbrella and a water vessel, he arrived at the palace of Bali during a grand ceremony, where the king was distributing alms to all those who sought alms.

Bali’s guru Shukracharya immediately felt something unusual. “This boy is no ordinary Brahmin,” he warned. “Don’t give him anything.” But Bali, who is known to never turn away anyone who comes to his door, refused to deny the boy’s request.

When Vamana was asked what he wanted, he smiled and said, “I want only three steps of land – to be measured by my feet.”

Ignoring his guru’s warning, Bali agreed. As was the custom, he lifted his water pot to pour water into Vamana’s palms, keeping his promise. But water will not flow. Unbeknownst to them, Guru Shukracharya had made himself smaller and blocked the spout of the vessel, hoping to prevent Bali from taking the fatal vow.

Vamana, aware of this trick, picked up a thin stick and pierced the nozzle to clear the passage. The stick hit Shukracharya’s eye, reverting him to his normal form and permanently damaging one of his eyes.

when the earth trembled

On completion of the ritual, Bali poured water into Vamana’s hands and sealed his word. Immediately, the young Brahmin started growing up. His body expanded, his form rose high above the earth, until his first step covered the ground and his second reached the sky.

The world shuddered. Everything under Bali’s rule – the earth, the heavens – now belonged to Vamana. Then came the question that sealed Bali’s fate.

“Where will I take my third step?” Asked the divine child.

Without any hesitation, Bali bowed and offered his head. “Put it here,” he said politely. And Vaman did – he pressed his foot on Bali’s head and sent him to the underworld.

a king’s love for his subjects

But before banishing him, Vishnu revealed his true form and granted a boon to Bali. Even in defeat the great king asked for nothing for himself, only that he could come once a year to visit his people on earth, to see if they were happy and well.

Vishnu fulfilled his wish. Thus, on Balipadyami, the first day after the new moon of Diwali, King Bali is believed to return from the underworld to meet his beloved subjects.

the day the king returns

In South India, Balipadami is not just a continuation of Diwali, it is its emotional heart. On this day, people light lamps outside their homes to welcome King Bali, a symbol of warmth, love and gratitude. It is said that as he travels across the country, glowing lamps guide him and keep an eye on the people he once ruled.

Special puja is performed in his honour. A Kalash (a sacred vessel) is placed on the floor, from which garlands of flowers are tied up to the ceiling, symbolizing the connection between the earth and the sky, which is ruled by Bali and ruled by Vishnu. Sweets and prayers are offered not out of fear or duty, but in honor of the king as a symbol of selflessness.

Unlike other days of Diwali, it holds a quiet reverence. It’s not about victory or fireworks, it’s about remembrance. A celebration of humility, gratitude and the enduring bond between a ruler and his subjects.

A festival beyond light and wealth

In the South, Diwali is not only the victory of light over darkness but also a celebration of humility over ego. It reminds people that greatness is not defined by birth, it is defined by intention, compassion and sacrifice.

So, when earthen lamps flicker in courtyards on the night of Balipadami, it is not just to invite prosperity. It is meant to honor a king who sacrificed everything, even himself, yet returns every year, just to make sure his people are still smiling.