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Meghalaya is a beautiful state in Northeast India, renowned not only for its natural beauty, clean and clear lakes, and tidy villages but also for its vibrant festivals. One of the most captivating festivals celebrated in Meghalaya is the Behdienkhlam Festival, which is primarily observed by the Pnar people. Held annually in July, this festival is a fascinating mix of culture, dance, and spiritual significance.
Origins and Purpose
The Behdienkhlam Festival takes place every July in Jowai, located in the picturesque Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. This important dance festival serves several purposes:
- Warding Off Evil Spirits: The festival's name means "chasing away the Demon of Cholera," highlighting its protective role. Rituals are performed to banish evil influences and diseases.
- Blessings for Harvest: As the sowing period concludes, the festival is also an invocation to God, seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest.
Festival Highlights
1. Dance and Celebration:
The Jaintia tribes come together in colorful attire, dancing to the rhythmic tunes of pipes and drums. Central to the festivities are decorated structures called "rots" and a wooden post known as "khnongs."
2. Symbolic Rituals:
- Beating of Bamboo Poles: Young men drive away evil spirits, plague, and disease by beating the roofs of every house with bamboo poles.
- The Heavy Beam Challenge: In a playful yet intense event, two opposing groups struggle to move a large, undressed beam across a muddy ditch called Wah-eit-nar. Participants, smeared in mud, add to the fun.
3. Football-Like Game: Dad-lawakor:
- People dressed in their best attire gather at Mynthong.
- This game involves a wooden ball played between Northerners and Southerners. The winning side predicts a bumper harvest in their region for the following year.
4. Funfair and Merriment:
- As evening falls, the festival grounds come alive with laughter, food stalls, and joyous camaraderie.
The Spirit of Behdienkhlam
Behdienkhlam is not just a festival; it's a time when the community comes together to celebrate tradition, spirituality, and bonds. The rhythmic steps, vibrant attire, and spirited games all echo through the hills of Meghalaya, filling the air with a sense of unity and hope for abundant harvests.
Meghalaya, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique glimpse into the traditional and modern worlds. The Behdienkhlam Festival is a perfect example of this blend, connecting people to their roots and celebrating life's cycles and the resilience of shared heritage.
So, if you ever find yourself in Meghalaya during July, make sure to witness the Behdienkhlam Festival. It's a vibrant celebration that encapsulates the spirit of the state, showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Pnar people. This festival, with its colorful dances, symbolic rituals, and community games, promises an unforgettable experience that highlights the beauty and cultural richness of Meghalaya.
