JOWAI: The annual ‘Behdeinkhlam’ festival celebrated by the Sein Raij Muthlong concluded amid great enthusiasm at Thadmuthlong village in West Jaintia Hills on Saturday. Thousands of people belonging to the Pnar faith (an indigenous religion) took part in the festival which the faithfuls believe prevents natural calamities like plagues, pestilence and epidemics.
The festival organised by the Sein Raij Muthong is celebrated after the sowing season.
It also seeks the blessings of God for peace, prosperity and a good harvest. “We hope that Behdeinkhlam celebration brings peace and harmony in the state besides health and wealth for all,” said Iooki Suchiang, general secretary of the Sein Raij.
The participants danced to the beat of the traditional drums carrying a spiritual ‘Rong’ – colourful traditional structures signifying various evils and social issues. These structures are immersed and dismantled on the last day of the festival at a pool called ‘Thaw-Noh-Rong, at Thadmuthlong.
Laskein Block Development Officer (BDO), LT Tariang Sein Raij elders from Sein Raij Tuber, Sein Raij Jowai, the Dolloi Raliang Elaka besides others were present on the concluding day of the festival.
