The grand finale of Meghalaya’s iconic Behdienkhlam Festival witnessed a vibrant blend of age-old traditions and contemporary social awareness, as elaborately decorated rots carried messages on healthy living, anti-alcoholism, children’s mobile phone addiction and even featured global football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Thousands of devotees and visitors gathered at the sacred Aitnar pool in Jowai to witness the culmination of the four-day indigenous festival of the Pnar community, popularly known as the “four days and three nights” festival.
The highlight of the celebrations was the ceremonial immersion of 13 colourful rots, specially crafted by different localities of Sein Raij Jowai, along with entries from Sein Ummulong and Seng Khasi Seng Kmie. While rooted in indigenous beliefs and symbolism, this year’s towering structures also reflected contemporary themes such as cleanliness, public health, responsible use of technology and social awareness.
Several localities also incorporated colourful depictions of football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, which became major attractions for visitors and photographers.
Accompanied by traditional drumbeats, pipes and chants, participants performed centuries-old rituals including Siang ka Pha, the carrying of Symbood Khnong and Khnong Blai, Deikhlam, Bam Tyngkong and other customary ceremonies led by the Dolloi of Elaka Jowai, Langdoh, Pator and community elders.
Young men enthusiastically carried the rots into the muddy waters of Aitnar in a symbolic ritual believed to drive away disease, evil spirits and misfortune while invoking blessings for peace, prosperity and a bountiful harvest. The name “Behdienkhlam” itself means “driving away the plague”, and the festival is celebrated every year after the sowing season.
The concluding ceremony was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the chief guest, along with Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang, ministers Lahkmen Rymbui, Sanbor Shullai, Wailadmiki Shylla, senior civil and police officials, traditional leaders and thousands of people.
Addressing the gathering, Sarma expressed his admiration for the festival and said, “I am very grateful that I was invited to witness this festival. Next year, I will come myself and jump into the pool with the people of Jowai,” drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Despite intermittent rain throughout the day, devotees continued dancing in the muddy waters of Aitnar, considering the rainfall auspicious. The festival concluded with the traditional immersion of the sacred khnong and the rots, symbolising the triumph of good over evil and prayers for protection from epidemics, natural disasters and misfortune.
The celebrations also featured the traditional Dat-Lawakor, a football-like game played with a wooden ball that is believed to predict the prospects of the coming harvest.
With support from various government departments, including PWD, PHE, Police, Tourism, Arts & Culture, Planning and the North Eastern Council, this year’s Behdienkhlam festival once again highlighted the rich cultural heritage, faith and resilience of the Pnar community.
