Behdeinkhlam festival begins with various rituals

JOWAI: The most colourful and religious festival of the Pnars- Ka Behdeinkhlam, which is celebrated annually by the traditionally faithful- Ka Niam Tre, began on Saturday with various rituals performed by elders of the Niam Tre, in different parts of the state.
The main ritual in Jowai is performed by U Lyngdoh or the priests, among others, in the presence of the Dolloi who is the head of the Niam Tre under Jowai Sein Raij.
On Saturday, the two main rituals performed included, Ka Siang ka Phur, where edible items were offered to the ancestors of the respective Niam-Tre family, while, the second ritual involved fetching of a sacred log of great length called the Ka Symbud Khnong Blai.
Thousands of Niam Tre faithfuls from Dulong, Panaliar, Iongpiah, Chilliangraij, Tpep Pale and other localities came together, dancing to the beat of drums, from Jowai to Riat-turiem, Khliehtyrshi, where they brought the Symbud Khnong and laid it in a sacred place at Loom Soo Lung, Newhill, Jowai.
The four-day long festival will end at the sacred pool or Ka Aitnar situated at Longpiah, Jowai with the immersion of the tower-like structures called Rot or Rath on Tuesday.
The celebration will attract thousands of Niam Tre- Niam Tynrai faithful from across Jaintia and Khasi Hills.
Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh will grace the festival as the chief guest, while Deputy Chief Minister, the Chief Justice and others top officials of the state will also be present on the concluding day.