The Riddi Yaagaya Ritual

 

The Riddi Yaagaya is a traditional ritual performed to bring relief to individuals who are sick or afflicted by unfortunate circumstances. This ritual is primarily conducted to dispel diseases and malevolent influences affecting women, to provide protection from evil spirits , and to invoke blessings for fertility, prosperity, and longevity. The main deity worshipped during this 'yaagaya' is the goddess 'Riddi'. The ritual can be held on various occasions and includes other minor rites  such as 'Bili Pīdīma' (offering of sacrifice) and 'Doḷaha Peḷapāliya' (a procession).

The Riddi Yaagaya consists of singing , dancing , and musical components . The main dance forms are the 'Udukku Narthana' and 'Pahatharata Narthana' (Low Country dance). The specific singing  and  Dancing  vary according to the occasion, being performed for purposes such as worshipping deities, the 'Doḷaha Peḷapāliya', and praying for prosperity. The primary musical instruments used are the 'Udukkiya' and the 'Thammæṭṭama'.

The main objectives of performing the Riddi Yaagaya are to make offerings to the goddesses, to cure diseases, to remove misfortunes and calamities , to gain protection from enemies and dangers, to purify from malevolent influences  to pray for fertility, to bless expectant mothers, and to enhance the prosperity of the people. Throughout the different stages of the 'yaagaya', prayers are offered and offerings are made for these diverse purposes.

There is also a legend  associated with the Riddi Yaagaya. It narrates that the ritual is performed to seek the help of the goddess named 'Riddi' in curing various women's diseases and afflictions, and to obtain salvation from 'bhūtha', 'prētha', and 'yaksha dōsha'. According to some stories, the goddess Riddi has been revered since ancient times for her power to heal diseases and bestow blessings. Based on this legend, the performers of the 'yaagaya' seek to obtain blessings by making offerings to the goddess.

Various decorations and ritual items  are used for the Riddi Yaagaya. The location where the ritual is held is cleaned and decorated with various flowers, leaves, wood, fruits, and grains. The preparations include setting up a 'Pūjāsana' (altar), 'Thōraṇa' (arch), 'Manḍapaya' (pavilion), 'Kumāra Maḍuva' (prince's pavilion), 'Mal Yahana' (flower bed), 'Riddi Yahana' (Riddi's bed), and preparing an ornate 'Kumārikā' (maiden/figure). Decorations used for the 'Kumāra Maḍuva' include 'Kālpittiya', 'Panāva', and 'Kalpa Vrukshaya' (wish-fulfilling tree). Items such as 'Mal Vaṭṭiya' (flower basket), lamps, flags, 'Kiribath' (milk-rice), fruits, 'Pinidiya' (dew-water), 'dummala' (incense), and fragrant smoke are also used for the 'yaagaya'. The ritual items and decorations are considered offerings to the deities, and they are often adorned with flowers and leaves that are golden, red, or white in colour.

In this manner, the Riddi Yaagaya is an ancient 'shāntikarma' that is performed to cure diseases, pray for well-being and prosperity, and appease the goddesses, making it an important cultural element.