Karkkidakavavu bali

Karkkidakavavu bali( pitru tarpanam) is the ritual to propitiate the souls of the ancestors, performed in Kerala on the vavu or new moon day of the Malayalam month Karkkidakom (Cancer). These elaborate rituals of worship are performed standing waist deep in the river or beach.

Karkkidakavavu bali is performed at certain places like the banks of the river Bharathappuzha at Thirunavaya in Malappuram district, Varaikkal beach at Kozhikode, Shankhumugham beach at Thiruvananthapuram and Varkala beach. Boiled rice, turmeric, thulasi (Ocimum) etc are used for the rituals connected to the bali.

Usually the bali is performed on the death anniversary of a person, but Karkkidakavavu is a day common to all and performing the ritual on the day is believed to be auspicious. This custom of ancestor worship is practised in the hope that the soul of the beloved departed will attain salvation and be free of any wordly bonds that might not give eternal rest. The Pujaris (hindu priests) help and guide devotees in chanting the mantras and performing the rituals.

This year Vavu Bali falls on August First

 

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