NARAK CHATURDASHI (the Second day of Diwali)

The Second day is called Narak-Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali that falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The legend related to this day is about the King Bali of the nether world, that mighty power who had become a threat to the gods. In order to curb his powers, Lord Vishnu in the guise of a small boy visited him and begged him to give him only that much land which he could cover with his three steps. Known for his philanthropy, King Bali proudly granted him his wish. So with his first step, Lord Vishnu covered the entire heaven and with the second step, the earth and asked Bali where to keep his third step. Bali offered his head. Putting his foot on his head, Vishnu pushed him down to the underworld. But for his generosity, Lord Vishnu allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance and spread the radiance of love and wisdom.