This is the half among the three-and-a-half auspicious moments (sade teen muhurtas). It is called Balipratipada, as King Bali was stripped of his kingdom and sent to the netherworld, as a punishment for making offerings unto the undeserving. Hence, a picture of King Bali and his queen is drawn with rangoli on the floor, decorated with five colors and worshipped. Then for the sake of Bali's generosity, lamps and clothes are donated.

    On this day, after an early morning bath with an oil massage (auspicious bath), women move lit lamps in front of their husbands' faces. In the afternoon, one feasts on a meal with delicacies. People don new attire and celebrate the whole day through. There is also a practice of worshipping the mountain Govardhan (Govardhanpuja) on this day, by making a heap of cowdung and tucking durva (a sacred grass) and flowers into it. Images of Lord Krushna, the cowherds, Lord Indra, cows and calves are arranged alongside and also worshipped. Then, all the images are taken out in a procession, to commemorate Lord Krushna's saving the cowherds and their herds from torrential rains by holding up the mountain Govardhan like an umbrella over them, with His finger.

    [Reference taken from Volume 10, Holy Festivals, Religious Festivals and Vowed Religious Observances, compiled by Dr. Jayant B. Athavale and Dr. Mrs. Kunda Athavale, published by the Sanatan.]