Karkidaka Vavu Bali is a ritual performed by the Hindus in the state of Kerala to appease their deceased ancestors. The shradh rituals for the deceased are called bali and since the Amavasya is called vavu, the ritual is called Vavu Bali. Since this vavu bali is conducted in the Malayalam month Karkidakam, the ritual is rightly named Karkidaka Vavu Bali.
Bali rites can also be performed on the nakshathra the deceased died on. However, performing bali on karuthavavu (no moon day) in the month of Karkidakam is more auspicious and the souls of the deceased can be easily pacified. Karkidaka Vavu Bali is similar to Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) or Pitru Paksha Shraddh observed in other states of India
