Behdeinkhlam Festival

The Behdeinkhlam Festival, a significant cultural event celebrated in Jowai, Meghalaya, is a vibrant expression of the Pnar community's traditions, blending ancient rituals with contemporary social themes.

About the Behdeinkhlam Festival:

• Meaning:

  • The name Behdeinkhlam is derived from two Pnar words:

    • Beh Dien: Refers to the act of driving away the plague using sticks and prayers.

    • Khlam: Means plague or pestilence.

  • Therefore, the festival translates to "driving away the plague" or "chasing away the demon of cholera," symbolizing the community’s efforts to ward off evil spirits and diseases.

• Cultural Significance:

  • It is primarily celebrated by the Pnar community of Meghalaya and is a festival that invokes blessings for good harvests and communal prosperity.

  • It is meant to ward off evil spirits, misfortune, and diseases like cholera, reinforcing the connection between spiritual beliefs and daily life in this community.

• Timing:

  • The Behdeinkhlam Festival is celebrated annually in July, typically after the sowing period, marking the community’s prayers for a successful agricultural season.

Rituals of Behdeinkhlam Festival:

1. Symbolic Rituals:

   • The central ritual involves the preparation of Dein Khlam and Khnong, which are rounded and polished tree trunks gathered from the forest. These are symbolic of the cleansing process of driving away the plague and evil spirits.

2. Driving Away Evil Spirits:

   • Young men engage in the symbolic act of driving away evil spirits and diseases by beating the roofs of houses with bamboo poles. This action is part of the larger process of purging the community of misfortune.

3. Dancing and Celebrations:

   • The festival lasts for three days. On the final day, people gather at a place called Aitnar. Here, both young and old dance to the rhythms of pipes and drums, celebrating the spirit of unity and the hope for a fruitful future.

4. The Dad-Lawakor Game:

   • On the last day of the festival, the highlight is a game similar to football, called dad-lawakor, which is played at Mynthong. This exciting and energetic game symbolizes the collective strength and unity of the community.

Conclusion:

The Behdeinkhlam Festival is not just a spiritual and cultural event for the Pnar community of Meghalaya, but also a celebration of unity, tradition, and renewal. Its deep-rooted beliefs in driving away evil and ensuring prosperity continue to bind the community together, marking an essential part of their social and cultural life.