What is Balipratipada called in Maharashtra?

Balipratipada is called Bali Padwa in Maharashtra.

The name combines Bali, the legendary daitya king Mahabali, with Padwa or Pratipada, meaning the first day of a lunar fortnight. In Maharashtra, it is observed as the fourth day of Diwali and is associated with Bali’s annual return to earth.

The festival draws on the story of Vamana, Vishnu’s dwarf avatar. Vamana requested three paces of land from Bali, then used the three strides to encompass the universe. Because Bali was remembered as a generous and devoted ruler, the tradition also emphasizes his continued honor rather than treating the story as a simple defeat.

Bali Padwa is often confused with Gudi Padwa, Maharashtra’s spring New Year festival. They are different observances: Bali Padwa falls during Diwali in Kartika, while Gudi Padwa marks the start of the Chaitra month.