3 weeks ago
Kerala Prepares for Karkidaka Vavu Bali; Police Issue Advisory
In Kerala, a special Hindu festival called Karkidaka Vavu is happening.
On this day, many people remember their ancestors, the family members who lived long ago.
They go to temples, riverbanks and seashores to do a ritual called Bali tharpanam.
During the ritual, they offer water and other things to honor their ancestors.
The government has made sure everything is ready at special places called tharpanam centres.
A minister named K Muraleedharan said all the preparations are complete.
The police have told everyone to be careful near water.
The weather might be bad, with strong waves and currents, so people should stay on safe platforms.
Extra buses will run early in the morning to help people reach the ritual places.
Everyone should listen to the officials and take care of children and elderly people.
Thousands of Hindus will perform the 'Bali tharpanam' ritual at temples across Kerala on Wednesday for 'Karkidaka Vavu' to pay homage to their ancestors.
Kerala Devaswoms Minister K Muraleedharan said preparations are complete at 'tharpanam' centres under the various Devaswom Boards.
State police advised devotees to avoid entering rivers, the sea and other water bodies due to adverse weather conditions and the possibility of strong currents and waves.
Devotees were asked to perform the ritual on specially equipped platforms, follow officials' instructions, and give special attention to children and the elderly.
KSRTC will operate special bus services from 2 am to about 13 balitharpanam centres, with 100 buses arranged this year compared to 62 in 2025.
- Who
- Thousands of Hindus across Kerala, Kerala Devaswoms Minister K Muraleedharan, state police, and the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
- What
- The 'Karkidaka Vavu' 'Bali tharpanam' ritual to pay homage to ancestors, along with safety advisories and special bus services
- Where
- Temples, riverbanks and seashores across Kerala, including tharpanam centres under the Devaswom Boards and Kollam Thirumullavaram
- When
- On Wednesday, as reported in an article dated August 11
- Why
- To enable devotees to perform the ancestral homage ritual safely on the auspicious occasion of Karkidaka Vavu
Key facts
- Ritual
- Bali tharpanam (ancestor homage)
- Occasion
- Karkidaka Vavu
- Date
- Wednesday, following the August 11 report
- Location
- Temples, riverbanks and seashores across Kerala
- Special bus services
- KSRTC services from 2 am to about 13 balitharpanam centres
- Buses arranged
- 100 in this year vs 62 in 2025
- Ministerial review
- Meeting held in June for devotee facilities
- Police advisory
- Avoid water bodies due to adverse weather, strong currents and waves





