Balindra Pooja is observed in the morning of the thirteenth day of the dark half of Ashwayuja. First the Pooja is offered to water. Next morning at moon rise, a pooja offering oil to Krishna is performed. On the New Moon day, Pooja is offered to the image of Bali, which is artistically drawn on the ground in front of the gopuram.
Bali Pratipada is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali and is related to the legend of Lord Vishnu and King Bali. The third day of Deepavali is known as Kaumudi Mahostava, Balindra Pooja in Karnataka. The traditions and customs followed on this day are similar to that of north India.