Date:02/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/02/stories/2008080252730300.htm

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Kerala - Kozhikode

Thousands perform ‘karkkidaka vavu bali’

Staff Reporter

The ritual extended up to 11 a.m.

Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

Vavu Bali: A scene from the Varakkal beach in Kozhikode on Friday. –

KOZHIKODE: Thousands performed ‘karkkidaka vavu bali’ on the beaches and at temples in the district on Friday.

Hundreds of people thronged the Varakkal beach near West Hill where the Varakkal Durga Devi Temple Protection Committee arranged facilities for performing the ‘bali’ from 7 p.m. on Thursday. The ritual extended up to 11 a.m.

Similar facilities were arranged at Sreenarayana Centenary Hall by Srikanteswara Temple. Melsanthi P.P. Peethambran Santhi led the rituals from 5 a.m. Facilities for ‘bali’ offerings were arranged by Gotheeswaram Temple near Beypore, Elathur Balasubramaniya Temple, Payyadi Meethal Chirakkal Siva Temple and Manakkadavu on the banks of the Chaliyar.

The Vellayil Thodiyil Bhagavathi Temple Paripalana Samajam arranged facilities for devotees to perform ‘bali’ on the Vellayil beach from early morning. The rough sea posed difficulty to the devotees to immerse their offerings in the sea.