The importance of ‘Karkidaka Vavu bali’

The ‘Karkidaka Vavu’, which falls on Saturday this year corresponds with the 26th day of the month of Karkidakam according to the Malayalam calendar.

It is on this day that prayers for one’s ancestors are ritually offered. This ceremony is termed ‘Pithru Sradham’ or offering of ‘bali’ in local parlance.

‘Sradham’ refers to symbolically feeding the late parents or elders similar to the rituals done to propitiate the Gods or deities.

Many people conduct the ‘bali’ rituals based on the zodiac sign at the time of death or the ‘tithi’ (death anniversary). Among them, a majority lays stress on the star signs.

Noted astrologer Kanipayyur Narayanan Namboothiripad explains the method of offering the ritual and its importance.

A day of the ancestors is considered to be equal to our 365 and a quarter days. For instance, if a person passes away on the Aswathy star in the month of Dhanu, it would be one year for us when the same star arrives during next Dhanu, but according to astrology, ancestors would have spent only one day during this period.

Departed souls would be pleased if the oblations are offered according to the star signs. However, the pace of modern living had made it difficult for many people to keep a track of the death anniversary of their ancestors. For them, the Karkidaka Vavu offers a solution.

It is believed that offeing ‘bali’ on the amavasi (new moon day) in the month of Karkidakam is ideal for attracting prosperity and wealth and for the well-being of the progeny.