JOWAI, July 22: Tuber Behdienkhlam — the most colourful and annual religious festival of the Pnar community of Meghalaya — concluded on Friday.
Thousands of spectators witnessed the rituals which are observed to drive away plague and other social evils. The four days of festivities are marked with various rituals performed by the Lyngdoh, the Wasan, Sangoh and others.
PHE Minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar attended the valedictory function as the chief guest.
Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla participated in the dance in the crowded pool, while former MLAs Nehlang Lyngdoh and Justine Dkhar, JHADC Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat, Executive Members Phasmon Dkhar, Lasky Rymbai and O Lamin and other MDCs witnessed the festivities in the presence of heads of the Sein Raij Tuber and the Dolloi of Jowai Puramon Kynjing.
The West Jaintia Hills DC and SP also witnessed the most significant festival of the Pnars organised by the Sein Raij Tuber — a traditional religious organisation.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly Metbah Lyngdoh wished the people of the Sein Raij Tuber happiness, good health and prosperity through video conferencing.
A memorandum submitted in 2019 to the CM was read out during the concluding function and demands were made for construction of a public gallery and museum, cleaning of the monument site of Woh Tep Kyndiat as well as construction of the Duwan Blai.
The memorandum was re-submitted through Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla. He also handed over a work order of Rs 26.50 lakh for construction of side drains, sanitation facilities and footpath in and around Tuber Biar – the sacred pool where the festival is celebrated annually.
The highlight of the concluding day was the display of 65 rongs or rots that were brought to the sacred pool before they were immersed.
The rots displayed powerful messages like ending violence against women (presented by the Dong Wah Pynthor, Tuber) and the arrogance of Russian President Vladimir Putin who is waging a war against Ukraine. Another rot displayed the message “Save the world… Say no to drugs”.
The final ritual performed on the day was the Iatan Bhang – a tug-of-war event with two hooked trees between the Phangwah (the North) and the Phangnein (the South).
The South won leading to the belief within the Sein Raij Tuber that good health and prosperity was in store for them in future.