Ancestral blessings are considered highly valuable and a symbolic way of remembering ancestors is by performing Pithru-bali. This may be done at homes after a person’s death or on special days on the banks of certain rivers, when the ritual could also be performed in memory of ancestors collectively.

In Kerala, South India, the new moon day of the Malayalam month of Karkitakam (karkidakam) – falling between mid July and mid August – is considered to be auspicious for performing Pithru-bali. Known as Karkitaka Vavubali, the banks of the River Periyar in Aluva, the banks of the River Pamba in Pathanamthitta, Thiruvallam and Varkala in the district of Thiruvananthapuram, and Thirunelli in Wayanad district are the places where this is generally performed.

The video shows a bali being performed on the banks of the River Periyar.