Adavi, which means forest in the regional language, is the most important ritual of the Padayani festival. Adavi is held mostly on the third, sixth or ninth day after the Kolam thullal. 

It is believed that the ritual of Adavi is a symbol of the tradition of environmental conservation. For the Adavi ritual, devotees make a fire on the temple premises and take out a procession to the temple precincts carrying a palm tree or bamboo tree. Para, a percussion instrument, is the main musical instrument. The ritual of breaking the tender coconuts with a Pana stick, known as Panayadi is also held. With tree twigs, devotees create a Panthal (stage), known as Adavipanthal, which does not have a roof. Once the Panthal is ready, the men who take part in the ritual after having purified though by ablutions wrap themselves in fresh thorny rattan plants; they roll on the ground, despite bleeding all over. Devotees consider the blood oozing out of their bodies to be an offering to the presiding deity, Bhadrakaali. This ritual is known by the name Chural Urulicha. 

The performance of Pakshi Kolam is another major attraction on the Adavi day. The rituals of Adavi begin only after the Athazhapooja or after midnight.