Balipratipada honors the annual return of which daitya king? It honors Bali, also called Mahabali. The festival commemorates the legendary return of the benevolent daitya ruler to earth for one day each year.
In the Vamana story, Vishnu appears as a dwarf Brahmin and asks Bali for three paces of land. Bali agrees, and Vamana expands into the cosmic Trivikrama form, covering the worlds in two steps. Bali offers his own head for the third. Vishnu then sends him to the netherworld but grants him a yearly return to visit his people.
Bali is often described as a generous and righteous ruler, not simply as a villain. That is why Balipratipada combines remembrance of Vishnu’s victory with respect for Bali’s devotion, generosity and good governance. The festival is also known as Bali Padwa or Bali Padyami, and in parts of western India it coincides with the traditional New Year.