Karkidaka Vavu: Aluva ceremony draws large crowds to Periyar riverbanks
Hundreds of devotees converged on the Aluva manappuram in Ernakulam district on Wednesday to offer ‘bali tharpanam’, the ritual of paying obeisance to ancestors, on the occasion of Karkidaka Vavu. The Aluva manappuram, a sandbank on the Periyar River, is a traditional venue for this ritual and holds special importance among devotees. The ceremonies were held from early morning onwards near the Siva temple on the riverbank.
Karkidaka Vavu, observed on the new moon day (amavasya) of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, is a significant ancestral observance in Kerala. As per tradition, offering bali tharpanam on this day is believed to bring peace to the departed souls and ensure the well-being of the family. Devotees typically offer rice, sesame seeds, and water to the deceased, with the rituals conducted by the eldest male member of the family, while others look on.
This year, people from various parts of the district and neighbouring areas, including women and the elderly, turned up at the venue to perform the rituals. Over 40 balitharas, or temporary booths managed by priests, were set up to facilitate the ceremonies. The atmosphere was one of solemn devotion, with the rhythmic chants of mantras filling the air.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the district administration, and the Aluva municipality had made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. In the run-up to the day, the sludge and mud that had accumulated in the area following heavy rains were cleared from the venue. The availability of a clear sky on Wednesday helped devotees complete the rituals without inconvenience.
Elaborate security arrangements were in place for the occasion. Around 500 police personnel were deployed in and around the ceremonial area. Personnel from the Department of Fire and Rescue Services and the bomb squad were also stationed to respond to any emergency. Additional surveillance was mounted to ensure the safety of the devotees, particularly in the crowded sections.
To assist the devotees, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operated additional bus services from various points across the district. Kochi Metro ran special services to Aluva for the convenience of those travelling from different parts of the city and suburbs. Parking arrangements and drinking water facilities were also made available near the venue.
The bali tharpanam rituals were also held at the Chelamattom Sree Krishna Temple near Perumbavoor, where hundreds of devotees had gathered from early morning. KSRTC operated special services from its Perumbavoor and Angamaly depots for the occasion. Additionally, ceremonies were conducted at the balitharas set up at the Sivarathri Kadavu along the Ashramam Road.
Beyond the rituals, the day is also observed by many as an occasion for family gatherings and charitable activities. Some devotees also participate in the recitation of the Ramayana, which is traditionally begun during Karkidakam. The observance, therefore, carries both spiritual and cultural significance.
The event passed off peacefully, with both the authorities and the public demonstrating a spirit of orderliness and reverence. The smooth conduct of the ceremonies underscored the importance of coordinated arrangements for large public gatherings.
