JOWAI: Preparations for the Behdeinkhlam festival in Jaintia Hills district are going on in full swing.
People of the Sein Raij Jowai organize this traditional religious festival to drive away plague and evil spirits from the society.
This year the Sein Raij Jowai will celebrate the four day-long festival from July 5.
It may be mentioned here, the Sein Raij, a religious organization, comprises seven localities of Jowai town including Panaliar, Iongpiah, Dulong, Loomiongkjam, Loomkyrwiang, Chilliangraij.
Religious elders, including the religious head- the Dolloi and the Priest or U Langdoh are busy in performing various rituals.
Several localities, meanwhile, organised cleaning drives in their respective areas for the upcoming festive season.
Felling of tall trees known as Deinkhlam or the spiritual log and the Construction of decorative and colourful tower-like structures called raths or rot (Paper Manuments) is being carried out in respective localities.
All colourfull constructions will be brought to Aitnar — the sacred pool — to be displayed on the last day of the festival.
Behdeinkhlam festival is also celebrated by other Sein Raijs in Jaintia Hills. Sein Raij Tuber- the biggest Sein Raij among all Sein Raijs celebrate the biggest Behdeinkhlam festival in the district. The religious festival at Tuberkmai Shnong is normally organised a week after the Jowai Behdeinkhlam. Sein Raij Tuber will celebrate Behdeinkhlam festival from July 21-24.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, the Sein president, OR Challam informed that Governor RS Mooshahary will grace the celebration as the chief guest. Several top political leaders are expected to witness the festival.