Karkidaka Vavu 2026: Date, time and what happens during Bali Tarpanam
Thousands of devotees gathered at major Bali Tarpanam centres across Kerala early Wednesday as Karkidaka Vavu rituals were performed to honour ancestors.
Kerala witnessed large crowds at temples, beaches and other designated ritual centres on Wednesday, August 12, as devotees observed Karkidaka Vavu and performed Bali Tarpanam rituals for their ancestors.
Large numbers of people reached prominent centres in Thiruvananthapuram district from the early hours of the morning. Rituals began during the early morning at several locations, with special arrangements put in place to manage the expected rush.
Major centres witness early-morning rituals
At the Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, one of the prominent centres for Karkidaka Vavu Bali, Bali Tarpanam rituals began at around 2.30 am.
Similar rituals were conducted at Varkala Papanasam Beach and Shankumugham Beach, where large numbers of devotees gathered to perform ancestral rites.
Traffic restrictions were introduced in Thiruvallam, Varkala and Shankumugham from Tuesday night in view of the expected crowds and movement of devotees.
Rituals at Thirunelly Temple
In Wayanad, Karkidaka Vavu rituals began at the Thirunelly Temple at around 3 am.
Hundreds of devotees arrived at the Papanashini stream in the morning to perform Bali Tarpanam. Authorities and temple officials had made special arrangements in advance to accommodate the large turnout.
What is Karkidaka Vavu Bali?
Karkidaka Vavu is an important day in Kerala's traditional Hindu calendar when people perform rituals known as Bali Tarpanam to honour and remember deceased ancestors.
Devotees traditionally visit temples, riverbanks, beaches and other designated locations to perform the rites. Major centres in Kerala often witness substantial crowds on the occasion.
Safety and crowd management
The large gatherings have also prompted authorities to focus on crowd management and safety, particularly at locations near water bodies.
Fire and Rescue Services have issued safety instructions in connection with the rituals, while traffic restrictions and other arrangements have been introduced at major centres to manage the movement of people.
Karkidaka Vavu is observed during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam and is associated with ancestral remembrance and rituals for the departed. The occasion draws devotees from across Kerala to established Bali Tarpanam centres.
The heavy turnout at Thiruvallam, Varkala, Shankumugham and Thirunelly once again highlights the continued importance of the tradition in Kerala's religious and cultural life.