From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: In a bid to promote tourism through the annual Behdeinkhlam Festival, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has taken an initiative to lend financial support to the Sein Raij Jowai (SRJ).
Speaking to media persons during a meeting with Sein Raij’s elders, SRJ President OR Challam informed that they have received a sanction of Rs 25 lakh and the Behdeinkhlam festival 2012 will be celebrated in collaboration with the Tourism Department of the State Government.
“We are thankful to the State and Central government for initiating the financial support for the celebration. This is the first time that the central government has come up with this kind of initiative”, said Challam adding that the State tourism department had provided financial support earlier but the amount was only Rs 40,000.
The Sein Raij President informed that the amount sanctioned for the Behdeinkhlam festival would be spent in various ways which would include advertisement for wide publicity. “We expect the festival will attract a good number of tourists both from inter-state and abroad”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Jowai Dolloi, KC Rymbai informed that the Sein Raij Jowai will celebrate the Behdeinkhlam festival from July 7-10.
The Behdeinkhlam is an annual religious festival of the Pnars is performed to drive away evil spirits that attack life and property. The final day of the festival witnesses the faithfuls dancing in the sacred muddy pool filled with water.