Gadhika is a tribal art performed by Adiya tribe of
Wayanad District. This art form is mainly meant to cure ailments. It is also done as part of a ritual for having a safe delivery of child. Gadhika is conducted during the months of June and July.
This tribal dance begins when the principal performer invokes
Lord Shiva to help in curing the patients. The prayers along with it have a pronounced
Kannada diction. During this ritual performance, the other deities including Chamundi, Maniamma, Malankali (Siva) and Karinkali are also worshipped. According to the song, the performers who are dressed up in colorful costumes move around a small structure that resembles a temple. Some of the actors dress like women, who are supposed to welcome the gods and goddesses arriving in response to the summons from Shiva. The oblations received from different houses, where the rituals are conducted, are offered to gods at a ceremony conducted on the banks of a river.
