When is Ganesh Chaturthi (गणेश चतुर्थी) in 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 starts on September 14, marking the beginning of the 10-day grand Ganeshotsav festival in Maharashtra.

Does this calendar include Maharashtra state holidays?

Yes, we track all official public holidays in Maharashtra, including Maharashtra Day, Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Gudi Padwa, and Ambedkar Jayanti.

How do I know which exact day to perform a specific Puja?

Our calendar maps major festivals to the primary civil day of observance. For exact fractional Tithi bounds, please visit our Daily Panchang page.

When is Balipratipada (Diwali Padwa) celebrated in 2026 in Maharashtra?

Diwali Padwa 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (Kartik Shukla Pratipada). The Pratipada tithi extends throughout the morning and afternoon, allowing families to observe traditional rituals.

What is the auspicious Muhurat for Diwali Padwa 2026 Auchan?

The most auspicious morning timing for wife-to-husband Auchan is from 06:42 AM to 08:50 AM on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Evening Bali Pujan can be performed during Pradosh Kaal from 05:44 PM to 08:12 PM.

What is the significance of 'Ida Peeda Talo, Baliche Rajya Yevo' in Marathi?

This historic Marathi phrase translates to: 'May all pain, afflictions, and poverty vanish, and may the equitable and bountiful reign of King Bali return!' It reflects Maharashtra's deep cultural affection for King Bali as a benevolent protector of farmers, agriculture, and universal fairness.

What is the Padwa Bhet tradition?

After the wife performs the ceremonial Auchan with a lighted oil lamp and applies a tilak to her husband, the husband expresses his love and appreciation by gifting her jewellery, a fine saree (such as a Paithani or silk saree), or a special token of gratitude called 'Padwa Bhet'.

Is Balipratipada an official holiday in Maharashtra?

Yes, Balipratipada (Diwali Padwa) is an official gazetted public holiday across Maharashtra. Government offices, schools, colleges, banks, and major stock exchanges remain closed.

Balipratipada (Diwali Padwa) 2026 | बलिप्रतिपदा / दिवाळी पाडवा

Diwali Padwa Balipratipada 2026 Auchan King Bali Maharashtra

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About Balipratipada (Diwali Padwa)(उत्सव माहिती)

Balipratipada (revered in Maharashtra as Diwali Padwa - दिवाळी पाडवा) is the fourth day of the Diwali celebrations, falling on the first day (Pratipada) of the bright fortnight in the sacred month of Kartik. In Maharashtra, this auspicious day carries dual cultural splendor: it is celebrated as the sacred festival of marital love and devotion between husband and wife, as well as the commemoration of the benevolent and righteous King Bali.

For married couples across Maharashtra, Diwali Padwa is equivalent to Valentine's Day rooted in Vedic sanctity. Dressed in fine Paithani sarees and festive Kurtas, the husband is seated upon a decorated wooden platform (Pat) bordered with colorful Rangoli. The wife performs a loving ceremonial Aarti (Auchan / ओवाळणी) with a lighted ghee lamp, applying a fragrant sandalwood tilak to his forehead and praying for his long life, vitality, and worldly success. In return, the husband lovingly blesses his wife and presents her with a precious festive gift (Padwa Bhet), such as gold jewellery, a silk saree, or an affectionate token of appreciation.

Simultaneously, households honor King Bali (बळीराजा), drawing his noble portrait in colorful Rangoli outside the house and praying for agricultural prosperity, communal equity, and bountiful harvests with the historic Marathi chant: *'इडा, पीडा टळो आणि बळीचे राज्य येवो!'* (May all distress and misfortune be eliminated, and may the golden, just era of King Bali reign supreme!).

History: According to the Bhagavata and Vamana Puranas, King Bali, grandson of the saintly Prahlada, was a magnanimous Asura king whose charity, piety, and valor allowed him to conquer all three worlds. Although virtuous and generous, his unbridled sovereignty threatened the cosmic balance of the Devas.

Lord Vishnu descended in the guise of a diminutive Brahmin dwarf, Vamana Avatar. Vamana approached King Bali during a grand sacrificial Yajna and requested merely three paces of land measured by his small feet. The generous king granted the boon. Instantly, Lord Vamana expanded into the cosmic Trivikrama form, covering the entire Earth in his first stride and the heavenly realms in his second. With no space remaining for his third step, King Bali humbly bowed his crowned head, offering it to the Lord. Deeply impressed by Bali's unshakeable devotion and integrity, Lord Vishnu placed his foot upon Bali's head, elevating him to the sovereign realm of Sutala Loka (beneath the underworld). Furthermore, Vishnu granted King Bali a divine boon: once every year, on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, Bali would return to the mortal Earth to visit his subjects and receive their joyous devotion.

In Maharashtra's agricultural folklore, King Bali is revered as the patron king of farmers and soil fertility. Historically, the Maratha kingdoms also observed this day as the beginning of the new commercial and agricultural year, settling annual leases and honoring agricultural workers.

Significance: Balipratipada blends matrimonial devotion with timeless social ideals:

Sanctity of Marriage (पती-पत्नीचे नाते): The Auchan ritual strengthens marital affection, mutual gratitude, and companionship. It offers couples a sacred moment to renew their marital vows and appreciate each other's lifelong support.
Honoring Benevolent Leadership (बळीराजाची आठवण): King Bali symbolizes selfless charity, generosity, and justice. Welcoming King Bali represents yearning for a society free from poverty, hunger, inequality, and drought.
Govardhan Pujan & Nature Reverence: In many rural regions of Maharashtra, Balipratipada is observed with Govardhan Pujan and cattle worship (Gau Pujan). Working bulls and dairy cows are bathed, decorated with flower garlands, and fed sweet Puran Poli in gratitude for their tireless labor.
Commercial New Year (नूतन वर्ष आरंभ): Merchants open new transaction accounts (Vikram Samvat 2083), exchanging sweets and goodwill with trade partners.

Rituals & How to Celebrate

Taking the second ceremonial Abhyanga Snan at dawn using herbal Utane and warm water.

Husband and Wife Auchan: The husband sits on a wooden Pat adorned with Rangoli, while the wife performs Aarti with an auspicious lamp, applies a sandalwood tilak, and receives the Padwa gift (Padwa Bhet).

Drawing an image of King Bali and Queen Vindhyavali on the courtyard floor using five-colored Rangoli powders or flower petals.

Performing Bali Pujan by offering Akshata, marigolds, turmeric, and lighting oil lamps while chanting 'Ida Peeda Talo, Baliche Rajya Yevo'.

Conducting Govardhan Pujan by offering puffed grains, fresh milk, and sweets to Lord Krishna and sacred cattle.

Visiting family elders to seek blessings for the new year and sharing Diwali Faral and Shrikhand Puri with loved ones.

Traditional Foods & Bhog

Traditional Shrikhand Puri (saffron-cardamom strained yogurt with hot golden puffed puris)

Puran Poli served with Katachi Amti, fragrant Basundi, and pure ghee

Authentic Diwali Faral: Crispy Bhajani Chakli, sweet Karanji, Besan Ladoo, and Shankarpali

Gulab Jamun, Mawa Pedha, and Kaju Katli

Kheer (rice and milk pudding enriched with dry fruits)