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Honouring the dead with the Karkidaka Vavu Bali in Kerala

Sunday morning in Kerala saw Hindus gather in hundreds on riverbanks and beaches to perform the Karkidaka Vavu Bali --or simply called Bali-- to honour their dead ancestors. 
Sunday morning in Kerala saw joggers and people otherwise visiting beaches witness a different sight. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Sunday morning in Kerala saw joggers and people otherwise visiting beaches witness a different sight. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
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For the day saw Hindus gather in hundreds on riverbanks and beaches to perform the Karkidaka Vavu Bali --or simply called Bali-- to honour their dead ancestors. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
For the day saw Hindus gather in hundreds on riverbanks and beaches to perform the Karkidaka Vavu Bali --or simply called Bali-- to honour their dead ancestors. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
The ritual, performed on Amavasi (No moon day), is believed to help departed souls attain moksha. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
The ritual, performed on Amavasi (No moon day), is believed to help departed souls attain moksha. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
Although Hindu customs give much importance to rituals after a person's death as shesha kriya, the Karkidaka Vavu Bali holds special significance. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Although Hindu customs give much importance to rituals after a person's death as shesha kriya, the Karkidaka Vavu Bali holds special significance. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Sri Parasurama temple in Thiruvallam, Aruvikkara, Thrivikramangalam, and Shangumughom Beach-- all in Kerala's capital, the banks of river Periyar at Aluva, Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya in Malappuram and Kozhikode beach are some places where the ritual is performed. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Sri Parasurama temple in Thiruvallam, Aruvikkara, Thrivikramangalam, and Shangumughom Beach-- all in Kerala's capital, the banks of river Periyar at Aluva, Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya in Malappuram and Kozhikode beach are some places where the ritual is performed. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Men, women and children offer Bali to their ancestors during the Bali. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
Men, women and children offer Bali to their ancestors during the Bali. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
During the ritual, men wear a dhoti and the offerings are made on a banana leaf that will later be immersed in the waters. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
During the ritual, men wear a dhoti and the offerings are made on a banana leaf that will later be immersed in the waters. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Special arrangements are also made by State authorities to ensure that the rituals are held peacefully. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Special arrangements are also made by State authorities to ensure that the rituals are held peacefully. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Some of the important accompaniments needed to perform the Bali include Darbha (grass), ellu (sesame seeds), pavithram (ring formed from grass), cooked rice, banana leaves and water. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Some of the important accompaniments needed to perform the Bali include Darbha (grass), ellu (sesame seeds), pavithram (ring formed from grass), cooked rice, banana leaves and water. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
It is customary for the person performing the bali to take rice or rice-made food only once on the day before the day of the ritual, called orikkal (meaning once). (EPS | Albin Mathew)
It is customary for the person performing the bali to take rice or rice-made food only once on the day before the day of the ritual, called orikkal (meaning once). (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Taking a dip in the waters before and after the ritual is necessary. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
Taking a dip in the waters before and after the ritual is necessary. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
Karkidaka Vavu Bali is analogous to performing ‘Mahalaya Shraddh Paksha’ or ‘Pitru Paksha Shraddh’ in other States. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Karkidaka Vavu Bali is analogous to performing ‘Mahalaya Shraddh Paksha’ or ‘Pitru Paksha Shraddh’ in other States. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
The neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu also has Hindus perform the ‘Aadi Amavasi’ rites today. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
The neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu also has Hindus perform the ‘Aadi Amavasi’ rites today. (EPS | Kaviyoor Santhosh)
It is also believed that observing the ‘Bali Tharpanam’ will bring prosperity and good fortune. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
It is also believed that observing the ‘Bali Tharpanam’ will bring prosperity and good fortune. (EPS | Albin Mathew)
Karkidaka Vavu Bali
Aadi Amavasi
Karkidaka Bali Kerala

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