The Deepavali You Didn’t Know: Why South India Lights Lamps For A Demon King

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 13:44 IST

In the South, Deepavali is not just the triumph of light over darkness. It reminds people that nobility isn’t defined by birth, but compassion, and sacrifice.

The world trembled. Everything under Bali’s rule - the earth, the heavens - now belonged to Vamana. Then came the question that sealed Bali’s fate (Image: Canva)

Deepavali or Diwali, as much of India calls it is known as the festival of light’s victory over darkness. Homes glow with lamps, prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi, and families celebrate prosperity and new beginnings. On Amavasya, the new moon night, Lakshmi Puja marks the heart of the festival – the worship of wealth, abundance, and good fortune in homes, shops, and workplaces alike.

But in South India, Deepavali carries another layer of meaning, one rooted not in wealth, but in humility and devotion. The day after the new moon, known as Balipadyami, honors a very different figure: King Bali, the noble Asura who once ruled the world with justice, generosity, and compassion.

The Noble Demon King

When we hear the word “demon," the mind often conjures images of cruelty and chaos. Yet Bali, or Bali Chakravarthy, was anything but that. In Hindu mythology, he is remembered as one of the most righteous rulers to ever walk the earth, a king so noble that even the gods grew uneasy at his growing power.

Bali’s kingdom was one of fairness and joy. He fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, and ruled with a rare sense of duty and equality. His subjects adored him. But not everyone was pleased. Indra, the king of the gods, felt threatened by Bali’s rise, haunted by his past defeats at the hands of powerful Asuras. Fearing he might one day lose his throne again, Indra approached Lord Vishnu for help.

Vishnu could not destroy Bali, for he had committed no sin. But to protect cosmic balance and soothe Indra’s anxiety, Vishnu promised to intervene – not with force, but with wisdom.

The Arrival of Vamana

Taking the form of a young Brahmin boy named Vamana, Lord Vishnu descended to Earth. Dressed simply, holding an umbrella and a water pot, he arrived at Bali’s palace during a grand ceremony where the king was giving alms to all who sought it.

Bali’s guru, Shukracharya, immediately sensed something unusual. “This boy is no ordinary Brahmin," he warned. “Do not grant him anything." But Bali, known for never turning away anyone who came to his door, refused to deny the boy’s request.

When asked what he desired, Vamana smiled and said, “I seek only three steps of land – measured by my feet."

Ignoring his guru’s caution, Bali agreed. As was custom, he picked up his water pot to pour water into Vamana’s palms, sealing his promise. But the water wouldn’t flow. Unbeknownst to him, Guru Shukracharya had shrunk himself and blocked the spout of the pot, hoping to prevent Bali from making a fatal pledge.

Vamana, aware of this trick, picked up a thin stick and poked the nozzle to clear the passage. The stick struck Shukracharya’s eye, forcing him back into his normal form, and leaving him one-eyed for eternity.

When the Earth Trembled

With the ritual complete, Bali poured water into Vamana’s hands, sealing his word. Instantly, the young Brahmin began to grow. His body expanded, his form towering over the earth, until his first step covered the land and his second reached the skies.

The world trembled. Everything under Bali’s rule – the earth, the heavens – now belonged to Vamana. Then came the question that sealed Bali’s fate.

“Where shall I place my third step?" asked the divine boy.

Without hesitation, Bali bowed and offered his head. “Place it here," he said, humbly. And Vamana did – pressing his foot onto Bali’s head and sending him down to Paatal Lok, the netherworld.

A King’s Love for His People

But before banishing him, Vishnu revealed his true form and offered Bali a boon. The king, noble even in defeat, asked for nothing for himself, only that he might visit his people on Earth once a year, to see if they were happy and well.

Vishnu granted his wish. Thus, on Balipadyami, the first day after the new moon of Deepavali, King Bali is believed to return from the netherworld to visit his beloved subjects.

The Day the King Returns

In South India, Balipadyami is not just a continuation of Deepavali, it’s the emotional heart of it. On this day, people light lamps outside their homes to welcome King Bali, symbolizing warmth, love, and gratitude. The glowing lamps are said to guide him as he moves across the land, watching over the people he once ruled.

A special puja is performed in his honor. A kalasha (a sacred pot) is placed on the floor, with a floral garland tied from it up to the roof, signifying the connection between the earth and sky, ruled by Bali and governed by Vishnu. Offerings of sweets and prayers are made, not out of fear or duty, but out of respect for a king who embodied selflessness.

Unlike other days of Deepavali, this one carries a quiet reverence. It’s not about triumph or fireworks, it’s about remembrance. A celebration of humility, gratitude, and the enduring bond between a ruler and his people.

A Festival Beyond Light and Wealth

In the South, Deepavali is not only the triumph of light over darkness but also the celebration of humility over pride. It reminds people that nobility isn’t defined by birth, it’s defined by intent, compassion, and sacrifice.

So, when the earthen lamps flicker across courtyards on Balipadyami night, it isn’t just to invite prosperity. It’s to honor a king who gave away everything, even himself yet returned every year, simply to make sure his people were still smiling.

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