Karkidaka Bali to be offered today to pay homage to ancestors

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Today is the New Moon of the month of Karkidakam. Lakhs of people will perform Bali Tharpanam with prayers in memory of their ancestors. Bali Tharpanam will be performed with holy water and Pancha Dravyas to appease the souls of their ancestors. It will start at 3.30 am. It is best to perform the Tharpanam before noon.

Facilities for offering Vavubali have been prepared at most temples, beaches and river banks. The main bali tharpan centres are Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Aruvippuram, Varkala Papanasam, Kottayam Vennimala Sree Rama Temple, Perumbavoor Chelamattom Temple, Aluva Manappuram, Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, Thirunelli Papanasini, Kannur Sundareksha Temple, Thrikkunnapuzha, Thiruvilwamala, Kollam Thirumulavaram etc.

Devotees had been gathering at the main bali tharpan centres in Thiruvananthapuram district, the Parasurama Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and the Papanasam beach in Varkala since yesterday evening. Traffic control and police security were put in place on the roads from Papanasam and to Thiruvallam. The rituals began at 2.30 am in both places. Facilities for Thila Homam have been set up at the Janardhanaswamy Temple in Varkala and Thiruvallam. There is a special queue system in Thiruvallam. Bali tharpan will be allowed with restrictions in Shangumugham, which has lost its shore due to the sea.

Police, doctors, fire brigade, lifeguards on the beaches, and ambulance services have been deployed at all centres. Special KSRTC bus services have been arranged to important places.