Thousands perform bali darpanam in state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thousands of Hindus in the state today performed the bali darpanam ritual to propitiate departed souls on Karkitaka Vavu day.

Men and women assembled in large numbers on river banks and beaches where traditionally the ritual is performed on the Karkitaka vavu day of the Malayalam calendar every year.

There was a heavy rush in Sanghumugham, Thiruvallam and Varkala Papanasam beaches in the capital district, while a good turnout was reported from other places like Aluva in Ernakulam district, as well as Varakkal and Gurupunyakavu in Kozhikode district.

In many places, pandals were put up for the people to perform the ritual helped by acharyas, followed by the ceremonial dip in the sea or the river.

Voluntary organizations like Akhilabharata Ayyappa Seva Sangham and VHP set up stalls to serve drinking water and light refreshments to the people in many places.