Deepavali or Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights. It signifies the victory of good over evil and is believed to be celebrated when Sri Rama and Sita returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. It is also believed that Sri Krishna killed the rakshasa Narakasura during Diwali. In Jain tradition it is believed that Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Bhagwan Mahavira. It is also the commencement of the New Year in many parts of India.  20th October 2017 Friday – Padya Bali Padyami / Bali Pratipada – is celebrated as the day King Bali visits the earth every year. King Bali was the grandson of Bhaktha Prahlada and was known for his generosity. But the Devas were jealous of his fame and wanted to strip him of his kingship in the three worlds. So they prayed to Lord Vishnu to come to their rescue. In his avatara as Vamana (the dwarf brahmin) Lord Vishnu beseeched King Bali to give him land equal to just three steps. King Bali unknowingly granted him the boon. At this point Vamana assumed his original gigantic form to Tivikrama, and placed one step on Prithvi (the earth) and the second step on Swarga (the heavens). Not having any place to keep the third step, King Bali offered his head, and Vamana stepped on it sending King Bali to patala (the nether world). However he was granted his wish to come from the nether world, and is believed to visit earth on Bali Padyami. Govardhan Puja – The residents of Vrindavan used to worship Indra with costly offerings, believing him to be all powerful. However Krishna guided them, that it is nature which is all powerful and the Govardhan Giri (Govardhan hill) is one of the symbols of nature which is worthy of worship. On being convinced, the villagers started worshipping the hill, thereby angering Indra, who sent torrential rain upon the village. However Krishna lifted the entire hill on his little finger and the people were able to take shelter under it. In commemoration of this, Govardhan Pooja is observed It is also observed as Annakoot where offerings of Anna (food) are made to Krishna in the shape of a koot (hill) This day is also the New Year for many communities especially the Gujaratis who will be celebrating the onset of Vikram Samvatsra 2074 named Sadharana. Featured here is a beautiful Teakwood Meenakshi mantap, apt for a home.