Karkidaka Vavu, also known as ‘Karkidaka Vavu Bali’ or ‘Vavu Bali’ is a ritual performed by Hindus in Kerala to honour their dead ancestors. The ritual is held on the full moon day in the month of Karkidakam as per the Malayalam calendar. It typically falls in the month of July or August in the English calendar.
When will it be held in 2021?
Karkidaka Vavu will be held on August 08 (Sunday) this year.
Other Holidays in August 2021
Karkidaka Vavu dates for the next five years (2022 – 2025)
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2022 | 28 July | Thursday |
| 2023 | 15 August | Tuesday |
| 2024 | 4 August | Sunday |
| 2025 | 24 July | Thursday |
List of Monthly Holidays 2021
Rituals of Vavu Bali
On the day, devotees perform the ‘Bali Tharpanam’ ritual. It is held in several holy rivers, seashores and temples of Kerala. As part of the ritual, the person performing it observes a fast. While the other members of the family can eat three meals of rice on the day, the one performing ‘Bali Tharpanam’ is allowed only one meal comprising of rice as part of a practice called ‘Orikka’. Eating non-vegetarian food on the day is prohibited.
The ritual is performed under the supervision of an elderly person or a priest. To observe it, grass, sesame seeds, cooked rice, banana leaves, water, and a ring formed from grass called ‘pavithram’ is needed.
Significance of Karkidaka Vavu Bali
The day is a sacred one for Hindus in the state. It is believed to be the night of the gods. By observing ‘Vavu Bali’ they offer salvation to the dead and seek their blessings. On the day, most households in Kerala, a special preparation of steamed rice called ‘Vavu ada’ is prepared.
List of Trading Holidays 2021
