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) 

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

It is also believed that observing the ‘Bali Tharpanam’ will bring prosperity and good fortune. (EPS | Albin Mathew)