Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Thousands Perform Bali Tharpanam Across Kerala on Karkidaka Vavu
Karkidaka Vavu is a special day for many Hindu families in Kerala, India.
On this day, people remember their ancestors who have passed away.
They perform a ritual called 'bali tharpanam' to honour them.
Early on Wednesday morning, thousands of people went to temples, riversides, and beaches.
They offered prayers and ritual offerings wrapped in plantain leaves to the water.
Famous spots included the Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple and Thirumullavaram beach.
Some leaders, like V D Satheesan and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, also joined the prayers.
Special buses started running at 2 am to help people reach the ritual sites.
At Varkala beach, the sea was too rough, so people could not go into the water.
The day is meant to bring peace to the departed souls and connect generations.
Thousands of devotees across Kerala performed 'bali tharpanam' (ancestral rites) on Karkidaka Vavu, the Amavasya day of the Malayalam month Karkidakam.
Rituals were held at temples and bathing ghats including Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple, Thirumullavaram beach, Varkala, Aluva and Thirunavaya.
V D Satheesan performed the ritual at the Tirunettur Mahadeva Temple in Nettoor, where his ancestral home was located.
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the Thiruvallam temple's waterfront was neglected for years and credited expanded facilities for a safe, dignified ritual.
KSRTC operated special bus services from 2 am to 13 'tharpanam' centres, while devotees at Varkala beach were barred from entering the sea due to strong waves.
- Who
- Thousands of devotees across Kerala, including V D Satheesan, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, District Collector Anu Kumari and State Excise Minister M Liju.
- What
- Performance of 'bali tharpanam' (ancestral rites) on Karkidaka Vavu, the new moon day of the Malayalam month Karkidakam.
- When
- Wednesday, August 12, from the early hours of the morning.
- Where
- Temples and ritual bathing ghats across Kerala, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Varkala, Aluva and Thirunavaya.
- Why
- To honour and express gratitude to deceased ancestors, as the tradition keeps society strong by remembering its roots.
- Ritual
- Bali tharpanam (pithru tharpanam) - ancestral rites
- Occasion
- Karkidaka Vavu - Amavasya (new moon) of the Malayalam month Karkidakam (July-August)
- Date
- Wednesday, August 12
- Main venue
- Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
- Special transport
- KSRTC operated buses from 2 am to 13 tharpanam centres
- Beach restriction
- No sea entry at Varkala beach due to strong waves
- Notable participants
- V D Satheesan, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, District Collector Anu Kumari, Excise Minister M Liju
- Temple claim
- BJP chief said Thiruvallam temple waterfront was neglected for years before facilities were expanded