Karkidaka Vavu 2025: Date, Significance, & Rituals Explained

Karkidaka Vavu 2025: Karkidaka Vavu or ‘Karkidaka Vavu Bali’ is the death anniversary of the ancestors of the Hindu people of Kerala. This day is also called ‘Vavu Bali’ and is observed in the month of Karkidakam in the Malayalam Calendar. If one goes by the English calendar, it comes in either July or August.

This blog will explore everything you need to know about the Karkidaka Vavu 2025. We will tell you about the benefits, significance, date, and timing of Karkidaka Vavu Bali.

Also, if you are willing to perform the Karkidava Vavu Ritual in Kerala, with the help of skilled and experienced pandits in your regional language then you are at the right place.

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What is Karkidaka Vavu 2025?

During Karkidaka Vavu 2025, the funeral rituals for the grandparents, parents, siblings, children, and relatives are performed in ‘Karutavavu’ (new moon) in the Karkidaka month (the last month of Malayalam Calendar).

The ‘Shraddham’ rituals have to be performed on the river bank or the seashore. Normally the rites performed for the souls of the deceased are called ‘Bali’ and the new moon day or ‘Amavasi’ is called ‘Vavu’; therefore the term ‘Vavu Bali’.

Another rite, the ‘Bali’ is also offered on the ‘Nakshatra’ or the star on which the person has died. But it is strongly felt that Bali made on Karutavavu, which comes in the month of Karkidaka in the Malayalam calendar is much more effective to calm the souls of the deceased.

Karkidaka Vavu Bali also holds a similar position to what ‘Mahalaya Shraddh Paksha’ or ‘Pitru Paksha Shradh’ customs are in the majority of the states of India.

Karkidaka Vavu 2025: Date and Time

It is a local public holiday in the southern Indian state such as Kerala in the month of Karkidakam. It falls on the Malayalam calendar which comes in July. This is around mid-July or mid-August of the Western calendar. The Karkidaka Vavu 2025 falls on Thursday, July 24 in this year 2025.

Sunrise	July 24, 5:58 AM
Sunset	July 24, 7:08 PM
Amavasya Tithi Timing	July 24, 02:29 AM – July 25, 12:41 AM

 

Karkidaka Vavu 2025: Tradition and Rituals

During Karkidaka Vavu, on the banks of the river and the temple premises, thousands of devotees perform the Bali Tharpanam for their ancestors. Sacrifice rituals are conducted in a few of the holy rivers of Kerala, temples, and a few other seashores.

On this day the devotees wake up early to complete their bath and other rituals to reach the ‘Bali Tharpanam’ places. Most of the large temples such as ‘Shangumugham Temple’, ‘Parausurama Temple, Thiruvaloom’ and ‘Varkala Papanasam Beach,’ etc., are full on this day and the state authorities make necessary arrangements for conducting rituals harmoniously.

The person performing the ‘Bali’ fasts consumes only one rice-based meal on this day. Other members of the family can consume rice dishes three times and eating non-vegetarian food is forbidden on Karkidaka Vavu. In most families in Kerala, ‘Vavu ada’, special steamed rice is prepared.

Karkidaka Vavu is performed by a known priest or any aged person in the locality. The ‘Bali’ ritual requires some of the accoutrements such as Durva (grass), sesame seeds, and rings made of grass, rice, banana leaves, and water.

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Significance of Karkidaka Vavu

Karkidaka Vavu is a significant day for the Hindus living in Kerala since the day is considered to be very holy. The ‘Bali’ ritual is performed in the ‘Karkidakam’ month when the ‘Dakshinayana’ starts from this month of the Malayalam calendar.

This night, dedicated to the Gods, is among many Hindu myths celebrating the ‘Devas’ or divine beings. Regarding Hindu beliefs, during the Karkidaka Vavu celebration, God sends their dead ancestors to Moksha for salvation, and in return, the ancestors bless their family members.

Hindus of Tamil Nadu follow the Aadi Amavasi rituals on the day of Karkidaka Vavu. Hindu devotees celebrate Karkidaka Vavu by taking holy dips in sacred rivers or key ‘Teerthams.’

Among the Malayalam people, it has been believed that those who chant sincerely the ‘Bali Tharpanam’ shall be prosperous and healthy.

Spiritual Benefits of Karkidaka Vavu 2025

• Karkidaka Vavu is performed to seek ancestral blessings by honouring the souls through this ritual.
• These practices help unquiet souls resolve ancestral karma, find peace, and transition to the next realm.
• This ritual brings people to their origins and helps them to be mindful.
• It marks a day to thank relatives and reflect on family values and morals received.
• In a way, it is comforting for those mourning or hoping to gain closure from their painful experiences.
• Karkidaka Vavu helps preserve the culture and heritage of the state and passes it on to the younger generation.
• People gather for common purposes in a group and it increases their social relations with one another.
• Most activities take place close to water sources – rivers, streams, ponds, etc. giving an apparent message that rivers and other sources of water are very important in support of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Karkidaka Vavu 2025 is a ritual that is performed all over Kerala. Karkkidakam is the last month of the Malayalam Calendar, on which Karkidaka Vavu Bali is celebrated. Karkidaka Vavu Bali, also named Bali, is the sacrificial ceremony conducted in remembrance of the deceased souls of ancestors.

In other words, it is the Pitra Paksha or Pitra Shradh Puja. Hindus gather on riverbanks and beaches during the Vavu or Amavasi full moon to offer Bali. Varkala Papanasam beach also remains one of the major religious destinations on the day.

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