JOWAI: Festivities continued on the third day of the annual Behdeinkhlam Festival celebrated by the Pnars in Jowai, particularly those belonging to the traditiona faith ‘Ka Niam-tre’ with rituals being performed at various places since 4 am on Tuesday.
In the wee hour, elders along with members of the Ka Niam-tre erected the God’s Pillar – Ka Deinkhlam of ka Bon – one of the four sisters of Ka Soo-kpoh Khad-ar Wyrnai clan which is believed to be the first inhabitants of Jowai town. The Deinkhlams were erected at the residence of one of the Rangad Clan members at Chilliangraij locality.
Niamtre faithful also erected the sacred tree ‘Deinklam khian’ in their respective residences. At 9:30 am, members of the Sein Raij came together to bring the Symbud Khnong to be erected at Khliehshnong, Chilliangraij, Jowai.
The main Khnong Blai was also brought to a sacred Pohsawiar from a sacred place at Loom soo iung. Before the main khnong Blai was brought to Pohsawiar, members of the Niamtre faithful of the Sein Raij Jowai met at Iongpiah Loompyrdi. Behdeinkhlam dance were performed at every sacred place including Biar Blai, Thaw Datlawakor, besides in Iawmusiang area where thousands of the faithful danced to the tune of drums beats accompanied with the sound of cymbals.
At a sacred place, Pohsawiar, the Dolloi Elaka Jowai, K.C. Rymbai presented Ka E Pyrnah Pyrjin – a presentation of rice beer (Pyrnah Pynjin) to the eldest among the Nikhla Clan for performing the rituals. Only after the Pyrnah Pyrjin was received by the elder of the Nikhla Clan a ritual was performed and later the Khnong Blai was carried to another sacred place called Madan Moosyiem where the Eldest of the Nikhla Clan along with the Pator will perform a ritual called ka Suit ka Chor on Wednesday.
The Behdeinkhlam Festival will conclude on Wednesday at Aitnar – a sacred pool.
Meghalaya Governor, K.K. Paul will be the chief guest on the occasion which will also be attended by politicians of the State, commoners and tourists including those from abroad.
