IN PHOTOS | Malayalis honour their dead on Karkidaka Vavubali

Malayali Hindus gather in hundreds on temple ghats, riverbanks and beaches to perform a ritual called Karkidaka Vavubali, to pay obeisance to their dead ancestors. The ceremony is also called ‘Pithru Sradham’ or simply, ‘Bali’.

Malayali Hindus gather in hundreds on temple ghats, riverbanks and beaches to perform a ritual called Karkidaka Vavubali, to pay obeisance to their dead ancestors. The ceremony is also called ‘Pithru Sradham’ or simply ‘Bali’. (A visual from Hyderabad/ Vi 

'Balitharpanam', performed on Amavasi (no moon day), is believed to help departed souls attain moksha or salvation. This year, it falls on July 31, 2019. The Malayalam month of Karakidakam (lunar calendar) began on July 17, and it is believed that reading the Ramayana during this month is auspicious. (Photo | R Satish Babu, EPS)

The ritual begins at 2:30 early morning and goes on till 12:30 pm. (Photo | R Satish Babu, EPS)

During the ritual, men wear a dhoti and the offerings are made and placed on a banana leaf that will later be immersed in the waters. (Photo | R Satish Babu, EPS)

Some of the important offerings while performing bali include darbha (grass), ellu (sesame seeds), pavithram (ring formed from grass), cooked rice, banana leaves and water. (Photo | B P Deepu, EPS)

The person performing the bali has to consume rice or rice-based items once on the day before the ritual is performed, called orikkal (meaning once). (Photo | Vinay Madapu, EPS)

Taking a dip in the waters before and after the ritual is also a custom. (Photo | Vinay Madapu, EPS)

In Kerala, Karkidaka Vavubali is generally held at popular sites like Shamkhumukham beach in Thiruvananthapuram, Sree Parasurama Swami temple in Thiruvallam, Papanasam beach at Varkala, Aruvippuram Shiva Temple and Aruvikkara. (Photo | B P Deepu, EPS)

This time, security barricades have been increased as most rivers are flowing in full spate, following the heavy rains in the state. (Photo | MK Ashok Kumar, EPS)

Last year, devotees performed vavubali on the roads as the Aluva Manappuram Sivan temple lay submerged in the overflowing Periyar river. (Photo | MK Ashok Kumar, EPS)

A visual of Malayali men in Tiruchy performing the vavubali ritual to honour their dead. (Photo | MK Ashok Kumar, EPS)