Tulunadu’s unique Diwali tradition: Bali Padya celebrations to honor King Bali

Team Udayavani, Nov 2, 2024, 10:33 AM IST

In Tulunadu, while there are numerous life-cycle festivals throughout the year, Diwali is the only celebration known locally as “Parba” – a title that highlights the reverence given by elders in the community. Diwali in Tulunadu is a three-day celebration, culminating in the special observance of Bali Padya or Bali Padyami on the third day.

The origin of Bali Padya is steeped in the legend of King Bali, a virtuous ruler who was believed to have once governed Tulunadu. Known for his benevolence and generosity, the festival is named in his honor and involves a unique form of reverence to the Earth itself, known as Bhumi Puja, which is central to Diwali celebrations. The first day of Diwali begins with prayers and offerings to the Earth, a mark of respect and gratitude for its sustenance. Homes, farms, cattle sheds, and courtyards are cleaned, decorated with patterns, and lit with lamps, creating an inviting environment for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Cow worship

Traditionally, cows were integral to life in Tulunadu, and cow worship remains an important Diwali ritual. On Bali Padya morning, families greet elders, and cows are led to graze, brought back, washed, and adorned with flowers and garlands. The cows are offered kadubu (sweet dumplings) and rice before an aarti is performed with fruits, turmeric, and kumkum. Lamps are lit around the cowshed, and the ritual concludes with reverent offerings to the cows as symbols of prosperity.

Tulsi puja and the Bale-Ki mara ritual

Another ritual involves the worship of the sacred tulsi plant by elders in the family. A “Bale-Ki Mara” (bamboo pole) adorned with various natural offerings is placed at the center of the courtyard. As part of the Bale-Ki Mara ritual, family members gather and shout traditional calls welcoming King Bali’s spirit. These ancestral customs reinforce connections with tradition, especially for homes with deities honored during the New Moon preceding Diwali.

Shop and market worship

On Bali Padya, shopkeepers conduct ritualistic prayers in their stores and markets. In the past, this tradition was more prevalent in rural markets, with shopkeepers inviting patrons for blessings and offering prasadam.

The legend of Bali Chakravarti

According to legend, Bali Chakravarti was a noble king from the lineage of Prahlada, the grandson of Hiranyakashipu, who ruled the Earth after conquering the gods. Despite his power, Bali was devoted to Lord Vishnu, and his moral values won him the respect of his people. When the gods sought Vishnu’s help to overthrow Bali, Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and asked Bali for three paces of land. Bali agreed, and Vamana expanded his form to cover Earth and the heavens in two steps, asking Bali for a place for the third. Bali, recognizing the god’s intent, offered his head. Vamana placed his third step on Bali’s head, sending him to the underworld but granting him a boon to visit Earth once a year to meet his beloved subjects. This visit is celebrated as Bali Padya.

Bali Padya: Bamboo pole and community festivities

On Bali Padya, many Tulunadu families set up a tall bamboo pole as a symbolic tree in front of their homes, decorated with lamps to welcome Bali’s spirit. Villagers call out to him in unison, a tradition that fills the air with joy and community spirit. Tulunadu people also revere Bermer as a primary deity, which some say could be linked to the legend of King Bali.

Through these customs, Tulunadu residents honor their roots, celebrate their ancestors, and continue a legacy that connects them to the original “adi purusha” (primordial being) and “adi mata” (primordial mother).