Karkidaka Vavu Bali is a ritual performed to appease the departed souls of the ancestors. It is performed on the day of Vavu or No-moon day, in the Malayalam month Karkidaka, which falls in July/August. It is believed that by performing this ritual on this auspicious day, the souls of the departed ancestors will get salvation. On this day, thousands of Hindus of Kerala gather on the river banks or other water sources to perform the ritual. Boiled rice, water, sandal paste, Tulsi leaves, flowers, darbha grass, etc., are placed on a banana leaf before performing the ritual. Hindu priests guide the devotees to chant mantras and to perform the ritual. It is believed that the departed souls will accept the offerings and attain salvation.