THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thousands of people offered bali tharpanam seeking salvation for their ancestors on the ‘Karkkidaka Vavu’ day along the banks of rivers, temple ghats, and beaches across Kerala. The rituals started Saturday early morning in various parts of the state. 45 altars were arranged at Aluva Manappuram Shiva Temple. The temple was completely submerged in water in the rains that lashed last month. The altars were arranged in the parking area as there is mud around the temple. Meantime, the temple officials had earlier informed that devotees would not have access to the temple and the river this time.

The rituals at Parasuramaswamy temple in Thiruvallam started Saturday at 2 am. The temple had made facilities for 3500 devotees to offer the ritual at a time in nine bali mandapams arranged. In addition to the two permanent mandapams inside the temple, three mandapas were set up within the temple premises, two sacrificial mandapas in the temple courtyard, and a nearby place known as Lanka. Special arrangements were made for the devotees to leave after offering the bali.

The rituals started at Janardhana Swamy Temple in Varkala at 3 am today. Nearly 100 priests were granted a license to officiate the rituals at Varkala Papanasam. Around 250 people offered bali at a time at the Devaswom Bali Mandapam attached to the temple.

The ritual offerings are progressing at the bali kadavu of Vellayani Lake near Kakkamoola Thrikkulangara Mahavishnu Temple. Aruvippuram Mutt has facilities for 500 people to offer bali at a time. The services of life guards have been ensured for the safety of the devotees who offer bali at Shanghumukham Beach as well.