Behdeiñkhlam is the most important religious festival amongst the Pnars (Jaintia Community of Meghalaya) who believe in their indigenous religion handed down by their forefathers as revealed by the Almighty God. “Behdeiñkhlam” means driving away of plagues, devils and all kinds of evil spirits with prayer to the Almighty God to shower in peace and security of life, for blessings, for a rich harvest, for prosperity in business and other professions.

“Behdeiñkhlam” means driving away of plagues, devils and all kinds of evil spirits with prayer to the Almighty God to shower in peace and security of life, for blessings, for a rich harvest, for prosperity in business and other professions.

Behdeiñkhlam is an annual religious festival celebrates during the month of July after the sowing season. It is celebrated for four days and three nights starting from a weekday known as ‘Pynsiñ’ (1st day), through Mulong (2nd Day) Musiang (3rd Day) and closes on ‘Muchai’ (4th Day) after the ‘Musiang’ which is a market day. The Behdeiñkhlam, actually starts with many kinds of rites, ritual and offering three months before the celebration of the Festival which are performed and conducted by U Langdoh (head Priest), Ka Lyngdoh (Priestess) and U Dolloi Jowai (Traditional Chief of Elaka Jowai) as a religious head, Pator, Sangots and other religious Elders under the purview and patronage of the Seiñraij Jowai. The rites and ritual during these three months relate to (a) Announcement of the Festival by the Priests and elders in the Market place at Iawmusiang jowai, called “Kbai Muknor” (b) Sowing of seeds and plantation by the Head Priest , Daloi and elders called “Thoh Lyngdoh” (c) Cleaning Drive at Priestess house, sacred places and sacred forest called “Shat Thoh”, (d) Rites, ritual and offering to the four big monolith which stand erect in the four corners of the town, considered to be the protector of Jowai town. This ritual is called “Knia Khang” and (e) the offering towards the mother earth, thunder, rain to protect us from bad weather, monsoon and other natural calamities called “Knia Pyrthat”

Behdeiñkhlam is a festival which has mythological history of U Hynniewtrep (7 huts). It is believed that previously there were ‘Khad hynriew Trep’ (16 huts) which stayed together in heaven and the ‘Hynniewtrep’ would come to earth every day from heaven to work through the Tangnoob Tangjri (Sacred tree) and would leave for heaven in the evening.

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It’s an annual celebration in the town of Jowai of Jaiñtia Hills 65.5 km from the capital Shillong. The drive is serene and the people are welcoming. A must visit for any nature and folk lover

One day God whispered in the ears of Woh Lakriah to guide the Hynniewtrep to settle on the Earth for which Woh Lakriah agreed and did as he was told. Since then the ‘Hynniewtrep’ separated from the ‘Khat hynriew trep’.

While living on the Earth, the Hynniewtrep faced the problems of suffering, sickness, hunger, plague and death. They were in distress with no hope. Woh Lakriah on seeing the hardship of his people felt that God had betrayed him. He raised his morale and prayed to Almighty God for their solace. The Rainbow appeared and God said to Woh Lakriah.

“Lakriah! Lakriah!! You don’t need to worry as I am always there for you and convey it to all the people. Your hardship has a short life and will be eased very soon. From now on, I will not come to meet you every time you need me but you can communicate your grievances through prayer and rituals for Blessing. And I will do come to visit you along with your ancestors once a year for four days and three nights,” and he asked, “What will you give me during my stay?”

Lakriah was confused and could not speak a word! God said “I want to see from you ‘a Dance’ and while doing so, do it wholeheartedly in any place which belongs to Mother Earth, Remember I’m deep inside you with all my energy and spirit. Honour Mother Earth for providing shelter, food and clothing and respect her for being the creator and protector of life. But keep in mind that you should not dance under the influence of bad elements, then you’ll be blessed. So, Behdeiñkhlam Festival at Jowai is celebrated for four days and three nights starting from “Ka sngi pynsiñ” and culminates with “Ka Sngi Mushai”.

The celebration of Behdeiñkhlam is in two segments which goes on together simultaneously. One is ritual which is performed by the individual family at their particular household and the other which is performed by the Dolloi (Traditional Chief of Elaka) and his subordinates for general welfare of the people and is taken part by all.

Since day one, Behdeiñkhlam is a busy religious festival and the final day of Behdienkhlam is the most spectacular day filled with prayers, worships and fanfares at a sacred pool called Aitnar where all the localities bring their rots (Chariots) for immersion. The Crescendo of cheering and merrymaking reaches its zenith when all the rots arrive at Aitnar. At long last ka ‘Khnong Blai’ is brought and place right in the middle of the pool as everyone rushes to get a foot hold on it while yelling and shouting with exaltation filling the air.

From here every one then moves for Datlawakor (A football game with wooden ball) - a devotional game to mother earth that feeds, protects and sustains man’s life on earth. Nearer to U Tre-Kirot (God), they pray for protection throughout the year and every day. A festival well preserved by the tradition of being where ones belongs, together with his kith and kin. A common worship at home that none would like to miss for it brings the family members together with their ancestors spiritually. Thus conclude a unique occasion which brings people together, closer to mother earth and nearer to U Tre-Kirot himself, i.e. the Behdeiñkhlam festival.