Vavu Bali, or Karkidaka Vavu Bali, is a ritual dedicated to dead ancestors performed by Hindus in Kerala in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. Vavu Bali 2011 date is July 30. Dead parents, grand parents, relatives and ancestors are remembered on the no moon day (Karutavavu) in Karkidaka Masam and ‘Shraddham’ for them is performed on the seashore and on riverbanks. The ritual performed for the souls of dead is referred as ‘Bali’ in Kerala and Vavu is Amavasi or no moon day.
The importance of Vavu Bali is that it is the first Amavasya during the Dakshinayana period or the Southern Transit of sun. This is also the night time of Devas. The belief is that souls will achieve moksha as a result of the bali ritual performed by sons, daughters or relatives.
