Karkadika Vavubali or Karkidaka Vavu Bali is an important ritual performed in Kerala to pay honor to forefathers or dead ancestors. In 2011, Karkidaka Vavubali date is July 30. It is observed on Amavasya in Karkadika masam or Karkidakam month (July – August). Tamil people observe the ritual with the name of Aadi Amavasi or Aadi Amavasya.
Karkadika Vavubali is similar to that of Pitru Paksha Shraddh or Mahalaya Shraddh Paksha observed in other places of India. Pitru Tharpanam (bali) is performed on this day for dead ancestors to please their souls and to route them to the Heaven. Malayalam people also believe that performing Karkadika Vavubali gives them fortune and prosperity.