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Makara Vavu in Kerala

Makara Vavu is an annual ritual dedicated to the dead – ancestors, grand parents, parents, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers and other relatives – performed by Hindus in Kerala in the Malayalam month of  Makaram. The day is of great importance in Varkala. Makara Vavu 2025 date is January 29.

Hundreds of Hindus reach the nearest river or seashore to offer this annual ritual.

The ritual performed for the souls of dead is referred as ‘Bali’ in Kerala and Vavu is Amavasya or no moon day.

The ritual falls on the Amavasya or no moon day in Makaram month.

Please note that the most famous Vavu ritual in Kerala is observed on the on the Karutha Vavu day in Karkidaka Masam. This is known as Karkidaka Vavu Bali.