Gadhika (or Gaddika)

Gaddika is a ritual performed by the 'Adiyor', a tribal community in Wayanad. Their villages are Thirunelli, Achakunnu, Kappathodu, Payyampally, and Thrissileri. Gaddika is a ritual performed for the purpose of curing diseases by using thudi kottipadi and herbal medicines. The ritual is a magical ritual performed by the Adiyor to ward off diseases, misfortunes, and plagues. The rituals are conducted under the leadership of the main karmi, the Gaddikakar. The Gaddikakar (parikarmi) is considered to be the representative of God. The Adiyor tell him their grievances and worries as they tell God. The Gaddika performers jumps and makes speeches like a light. There are special songs for Gaddika. Such songs praise gods such as Chuvani, Siddhappan, and Malakari.