Archive · 10 Aug 2026
KSRTC to operate special services to balitharpanam centres in Kerala
In Kerala, a state in India, many families pray for their grandparents and other relatives who have passed away.
This special praying time is called Karkidaka Vavu Bali and happens during a month called Karkidakam in the Malayalam calendar.
To help families reach the special praying places, called balitharpanam centres, the state bus company KSRTC is running extra buses.
The special buses start at 2 o'clock in the morning on August 12.
This year there are many more buses than last year, 100 buses instead of 62.
Extra buses will go to places like Thiruvallam, Varkala, Aluva and Thirunelli temple.
Special officers and staff will be at every centre to watch how many people come.
If a place gets crowded, more buses will be sent there quickly.
This helps everyone reach the praying places in time.
KSRTC will operate special bus services on August 12 to 13 balitharpanam centres in Kerala for 'Karkidaka Vavu Bali'.
Services will start at 2 am on August 12 and be adjusted according to passenger flow.
This year 100 buses have been arranged, compared with 62 in 2025.
Special squad officers and staff have been assigned in advance at each centre to monitor passenger rush.
Additional special buses have been arranged to major centres including Thiruvallam, Varkala, Shankhumugham, Veli, Aruvikkara, Aruvippuram, Kadinamkulam, Thirumullavaram, Aluva, Thirunavaya and Thirunelli temple.
- Who
- Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), following instructions from state Transport Minister C P John and Devaswoms Minister K Muraleedharan.
- What
- Operating special bus services to 13 balitharpanam centres for the Karkidaka Vavu Bali ritual.
- When
- August 12, with services starting at 2 am.
- Where
- Kerala, including centres such as Thiruvallam, Varkala, Shankhumugham, Veli, Aruvikkara, Aruvippuram, Kadinamkulam, Thirumullavaram (Kollam), Aluva, Thirunavaya and Thirunelli temple.
- Why
- To help people travel to pray for their deceased ancestors during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam and to manage passenger rush.
- Operator
- Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
- Occasion
- Karkidaka Vavu Bali
- Service date
- August 12, starting at 2 am
- Balitharpanam centres
- 13 centres across Kerala
- Buses arranged this year
- 100
- Buses arranged in 2025
- 62
- Major centres served
- Thiruvallam, Varkala, Shankhumugham, Veli, Aruvikkara, Aruvippuram, Kadinamkulam, Thirumullavaram, Aluva, Thirunavaya, Thirunelli temple