Karkidaka Vavu Date: Friday, 24 July 2026
Karkidaka Vavu, also known as Vavu Bali, is an important Hindu ritual observed in the Indian state of Kerala, especially by Malayali Hindus. It is performed in honour of the departed souls of ancestors. The festival is held in many sacred rivers, beaches and temples in Kerala. Onam begins immediately after Karkidakam (also known as Ramayana month in Malayalam calender).
When is Karkidaka Vavu celebrated:
Celebrated on the new moon day of the Malayalam month Karkidakam (around July-August).
Related Name | Vavu Bali |
Begins Tithi | New moon day of the Malayalam month Karkidakam |
Celebrations | pindam, tarpanam, pitrupuja |
कार्किडका वावु, जिसे वावु बलि के नाम से भी जाना जाता है, भारत के केरल राज्य में, विशेष रूप से मलयाली हिंदुओं द्वारा मनाया जाने वाला एक महत्वपूर्ण हिंदू अनुष्ठान है।
How Karkidaka Vavu is celebrated:
❀ The main ritual is the sacrificial tarpanam - offering of pindam (rice balls) and water to the ancestors.
❀ It is performed on riverbanks, beaches and temple premises, often led by a priest.
❀ People observe fast, take early bath and pray for the peace of the souls of ancestors.
❀ As part of this ritual, the person performing it observes a fast. While other family members can have three meals of rice on this day, the person performing the 'Bali Tarpanam' is allowed to have only one meal of rice under a custom called 'Orikka'. Eating non-vegetarian food is prohibited on this day.
❀ To perform this ritual, grass, sesame seeds, cooked rice, banana leaves, water and a ring made of grass called 'pavitram' are required.
Where Karkidaka Vavu is celebrated:
The major places include Tiruvallam Parashurama Temple, Papanasam Beach (Varkala), Thirunelli Temple and Aluva Manappuram.
Why Karkidaka Vavu is important:
It is believed that performing this ritual brings blessings from ancestors, removes doshas and brings prosperity and peace to the family. On this day, a special meal of boiled rice called 'Vavu Ada' is prepared in most of the households in Kerala.
Related Information
Begins Tithi
New moon day of the Malayalam month Karkidakam
Celebrations
pindam, tarpanam, pitrupuja
Imp Places
Kerala, Tiruvallam Parashurama Temple, Papanasam Beach, Thirunelli Temple, Aluva Manappuram
Updated: Jul 24, 2025 16:58 PM
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