A fundraiser took place in Kannur, Kerala, on the day Hindus observe rituals for departed ancestors. Instead of the traditional Athapookalam to mark Onam, the CPM and its youth wing DYFI held a pork sale event. Two party-run libraries in the Iringur area sold pork at 370 rupees per kilogram, with proceeds intended for Onam celebrations. The timing coincided with Karkidaka Vavu, when many perform Pitru Tharpanam. Bookings reached several hundred by day’s end. The same party provided tea, snacks, parking and medical aid to devotees at a nearby site for the rituals. Earlier this year, a similar pork sale was held by DYFI for landslide relief. Karkidaka Vavu is an annual observance involving simple offerings during the rainy month, followed by Onam.
