Diwali Padwa 2024: Embrace the Blessings of Bali Pratipada and Govardhan Puja Today

November 2, 2024, Saturday, marks several significant occasions, including Kartik Shukla Pratipada, Bali Pratipada, Diwali Padva, Abhyanga Snan, Vikram Samvat 2081, and Analanama Samvatsar, as well as Mahavir Jain Samvat 2551. Among Saturday’s celebrations are Govardhan Puja, Annakoot, and Vahipujan, which is the worship of account books. On this day, traders begin recording in the account books that were worshiped during Lakshmi Puja. In various traditions, wives express their love for their husbands, while husbands often present valuable gifts to their wives. Bali Pratipada is regarded as one of the most auspicious days within the Sade Teen Muhurt, making it a favorable time for valuable purchases and the commencement of auspicious events.

Bali Puja Pratahkala muhurat: November 2, 2024, 06:34 AM to 08:46 AM

Duration: 02 hours 12 minutes

Bali Puja Sayankala muhurat: 15:23  to 17:35

Duration: 02 hours 12 minutes

Pratipada Tithi begins: on November 01, 2024, 18:16

Pratipada Tithi ends: on November 02, 2024, 20:21

Hindus start the day with a ritual oil bath and wear new attire. They decorate their homes with vibrant Rangoli or Kolam patterns at the entrance, and they worship images of Bali and his wife, Vindhyavali, which are typically crafted from clay or cow dung.

A special prayer is recited during the worship:

“Baliraja namastubhyam, Virouchanasuta prabhu, 

Bhavishyendrasurarate pujanantargrihyatam.”

This translates to: “Salutations to you, mighty Bali, son of Virochana, Future Indra and conqueror of demons. Accept this worship offered to you.” Following the prayer, lamps, and clothing are donated as offerings to appease Bali.

Govardhan Puja

In the past, the people of Gokul believed that Lord Indra was responsible for bringing rain, so they worshiped him. However, Lord Krishna informed them that it was actually the Govardhan mountain that caused the rain, urging them to worship it instead. He explained that mountains and trees play a role in rainfall, a concept that is taught in schools today. This revelation led to the establishment of Govardhan Puja on Kartik Shukla Pratipada.

According to Drik Panchang, Pratipada Tithi will begin at 6:16 PM on November 1 and will end at 8:21 PM on November 2. The Pratahkala Muhurat for Govardhan Puja is from 6:14 AM to 8:33 AM on November 2. The Sayankala Muhurat for the puja is from 3:33 PM to 5:53 PM on November 2.

Govardhan Puja Shubh Muhurat

November 2  2024 06:00 am to 08:00 am and 03:23 pm to 05:35 pm

On this day, Annakoot is prepared. Villagers cook and bring various dishes to the temple, where all the food is offered as naivedyam to the deity. After the offering, the entire community comes together to share the prasad, or blessed food. This tradition of communal feasting and sharing prasad has been upheld since ancient times.

On Kartik Shukla Pratipada, it is a tradition to worship Kaal Bhairav. On this day, young children walk around the village selling salt, which people buy as an auspicious sign (Shubh Shakun) to celebrate the start of the new year. This custom is mainly observed in Gujarat.